The third annual Pride Fest, Keene’s yearly festival aimed at celebrating and supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, took place on a portion of Main Street last Sunday, Sept. 15 from 12 to 6 p.m.
The festival was organized by Keene Pride and featured a variety of live performances, including drag performances, live music, acrobatics and aerialists. Over 100 vendors, including artists, local businesses, and food options were present as well.
Keene Pride President Adam Toepfer estimated an increase in attendance ranging between 20 to 30 percent and said he was encouraged to see the festival growing.
“It was absolutely incredible. I’m confident in saying we had somewhere between six and seven thousand people throughout the day,” said Toepfer.
“Central Square was bursting at the seams, and next year we’re definitely going down Main Street to fit more people,” Toepfer added.
At 12 p.m., the festival opened with a series of opening speeches, including a proclamation by Mayor Jay Kahn, who declared the day Pride Day in Keene.
Kahn said the variety of vendors and sponsors speaks to the strength of the Keene community.
“Harvard Sociologist Robert Putnam defines the strength of a community by in-group affiliation, and between-group connectivity,” said Kahn.
“We saw both factors on Sunday, with Keene Pride demonstrating the ability to organize such a strong community event, and that between-group connectivity with so many different businesses and organizations wanting to be a part of the celebration,” Kahn added.
Kahn went on to reflect on the importance of KSC students engaging with the city.
“We want KSC students to be a part of our city and community. Events like Pride, which promote that kind of inclusivity, bring students from the campus into the downtown areas, and that strengthens the ties between the campus and our city,” added Kahn.
Paulee Mekdeci is Vice President of Keene Pride, and performs drag under the stage name Miss Ginger Soulless. Mekdeci performed at the C&S Stage, by Central Square at Pride Fest, and said the energy and crowd size of Pride Fest is growing.
“This year we’ve had over one hundred vendors, and it just builds and builds every year. The crowd gets bigger every year, and it’s always a blast,” said Mekdeci.
Mekdeci said Pride Fest is one of many events hosted by Keene Pride, and encouraged interested people to check the Keene Pride website.
“We do well over 30 events a year, including mixers, shows, fundraisers, et cetera. We have a Halloween party coming up, which is always a lot of fun, and we also do Pride Prom,” Mekdeci added.
Mason Ames, a Keene native and acrobat also performed at Keene Pride. Ames moved from the city after high school and said the city appears to be making progress on diversity and inclusion.
“There was a lot less diversity back then, and it’s awesome to come home and see Keene blossoming and welcoming. I think this festival is about spreading love and humanity, and that’s pretty important in life,” said Ames.
KSC alum Jayson Cassetta, a house manager and office administrator with Peterborough-based theater Peterborough Players, represented the theater at a vendor table.
Cassetta said the festival helps local businesses interact with the community, and provides a celebratory space for the LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s a great mashup of so many different businesses, perspectives and organizations. It brings so many people out, and there’s so much fun things to do. Keene needs a queer space, and it’s nice that Keene Pride provides that space for everyone to have fun, celebrate and have a nice weekend,” said Cassetta.
Keene resident Tyler Walters attended the event to celebrate, support friends and participate in a flash-mob dance.
“I’ve been to all three events, and this is the biggest it’s ever been. I love it so much, and the city has come a long way. Keene Pride is promoting positive morals and values, and also changes that we desperately need in our society,” said Walters.
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
rpacheco@kscequinox.com
