The Catskill Chronicle

Pride Day Celebrates New York’s LGBT Community, Joins Fair’s Roster of Special Days with Flag Raising, Information Fair and Free Melissa Etheridge Concert

NEW YORK STATE (June 22, 2015) – The 2015 Great New York State Fair will feature a "Pride Day" in celebration of New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The designation will take place on Friday, August 28 to formalize what had been for many years an informal gathering at the Fair by members of the LGBT community.

“New York is proud to be a leader in the fight for equality, and this summer we’re extending our celebration and support of the LGBT community to the State Fair," said Governor Cuomo. “This year’s State Fair is set to be one of the best yet, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to plan a trip for the first ever Pride Day."

Pride Day at the Fair will begin with the raising of the Rainbow Flag at the Main Gate of the Fairgrounds followed by a day-long information fair linking fairgoers to various organizations. Pride Day will also feature a ceremony that includes speakers from the LGBT community and a prominent presence in the Fair’s daily parade. In addition, the LGBT booth, which has been staffed for 15 years by local advocacy agencies, will occupy its customary spot in the Center of Progress Building.

Pride Day at the Fair will conclude with a free Chevy Court concert at 8 p.m. from Melissa Etheridge, the Grammy-award winning rock star who has campaigned for LGBT equality since coming out in 1993.

Pride Day is in addition to several special days at the Fair including Law Enforcement Day, Armed Forces Day, two Senior Days, the new Six Nations Day honoring the contributions of the Iroquois Nations, SUNY Day and Women’s Day. The Fair always begins with Governor’s Day. The Great New York State Fair runs from August 27 to September 7, 2015.

Pride Day at the Fair is created in collaboration with various leading Central New York groups active in issues involving the LGBT community.

About the Great New York State Fair
The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 27 to September 7, 2015. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “Summer’s Best in Show,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.
The home of the Great New York State Fair is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year to host dozens of agricultural events, including some of the Northeast’s most prestigious horse and livestock shows. A year-round schedule of events is available on the Fair’s website.