From the story in The Intelligencer (which has a VIDEO).

 

The four men stood in the center of West Mechanic Street Saturday taking it all in¹. The dancing, the singing, the smiling crowds strolling along in the soft spring sunlight.

 

With rainbow-colored beads tied artfully around their necks, the happy group couldn't say enough nice things about New Hope, its people and its commitment to gay rights.

 

The day marked the third annual gay pride weekend for the small borough, well known for both its artistic and gay communities. It was the second annual parade with Gov. Ed Rendell leading the procession².

 

For Mark Campbell, who was visiting from his home across the river in Lambertville, N.J., the day meant more than just a day out with friends.

 

“Here it feels like everyone is celebrating our equality and happiness,” he said.

 

Campbell's neighbor, John P. Roddy ³, agreed. “I enjoy the nonjudgmental atmosphere in New Hope, gay or not.”

 

 

Designed to showcase the town's diversity, the event draws tourists and locals into the community to shop, eat and enjoy the sights and sounds of a unique Bucks County spot.

 

Gay and lesbian performers put on shows throughout the weekend, Sunday brunch specials are featured and a family-friendly dance is set for today at 1:30 at the Little Shul by the River on West Mechanic Street.

 

“Business is good,” said Dan Henley, who was sitting outside with his jewelry spread on a wooden table in front of him.

 

“I love New Hope. It's creative, it's accepting — and it's not the mall⁴,” he said with a broad smile.

 

Two women sitting together said they too were enjoying the day, where, one said, “we can be ourselves.”

 

Freda R. Savana can be reached at 215-345-3061 or fsavana@phillyBurbs.com.

 

May 18, 2008 6:24 AM

 

Comments To This Article ⁵:

mrsmom - get real

(05/18/2008 )

"family friendly"? Hardly. What is on display at the parade is something most parents wouldn't allow their kids to watch on TV ⁶.

 

Steve - Family friendly, my butt....

(05/18/2008 )

If it were straight people out in public acting that way, they would be arrested for public lewdness and public indecency. No, but they're "homosexuals"⁷ who are now some sort of "discriminated-against" and "oppressed" minority, so they can do whatever they please with impunity....

 

Louis - More Diversity

(05/19/2008 )

Gay is Happy---The only Gay agenda is the need for acceptance As people who have been repressed as true equals, we are finally being able to show that we are all contributing in many ways to the human community. In one of the comments, it says that we are "out in public acting that way"---this is coming from someone who did not attend(?) the parade. There was no lewdness or drunkiness, just happiness and diversity. New Hope is one of a handful of places in the USA where everyone can truly be themselves. We only want happy people here---so, in a way, I am glad that this person did not attend---what a downer that would be. But also, had they attended, they would probably have been enlightened into seeing how the world should be; One that is united and were prejudice and hate melts away. I pray for this person and others like them, that they will see the errors of their ways. Gay people are here to stay and stay we will and continue to fight for out rights and freedoms to become true citizens without discrimination. We pay our taxes like everyone else, we are entitled to all the benefits that everyone else receives. Pride Celebrations are a way in which we can make ourselves visible to those that would prefer us to be invisible. Lighten up and enjoy the spirit! Goid created us too! God⁸ loves all of us. Hopefully those who are judgmental will see the light too.

Louis