DAY-OF POUGHKEEPSIE PRIDE INFORMATION

• PRIDE PARADE •

Line-up begins at 11:00am in front of the Bardavon Theater on Market Street in Poughkeepsie. Be on the lookout for the “CHECK IN HERE” sign.

Step-off is at 12Noon

Market Street will be closed to traffic starting at 10:30am, but vehicles that will be in the parade can pass through the barricades.

We kindly ask that groups of five or more pre-register to march, so we can estimate crowd size. If your group is four or fewer, you do not need to register, and can march with the Dutchess Pride contingent at the head of the parade. The Dutchess Pride group will be located near the corner of Main & Market Streets near the Dutchess County Courthouse.

The Parade marches down historic lower Main Street in Poughkeepsie, which has a sharp decline throughout. This may unfortunately be a challenge for anyone using a wheelchair. Please plan accordingly.

The Parade ends right at the Festival, which is centered around John M. Flowers Circle at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie.

For those utilizing public transit, the Dutchess County Transit Hub is conveniently located on Market Street as well, just across from the MJN Convention Center. From the Transit Hub to the Bardavon is approximately a five minute walk.

• PRIDE FESTIVAL •

The Festival officially starts at 12:00Noon, the same time as the Parade steps off, and continues to 5:00pm.

We will have DJ Xeon spinning tunes all afternoon, as well as speeches from local officials and live performances from:

• Rachael Sage

• 2024 Grand Marshals Haus of Extreme featuring: Janine Extreme, JackieLynn, Heath Barr, Meredith Bricks, and Penelope Plague

• 2024 Grand Marshal Blair Back

• 2024 Grand Marshal Isis Vermouth

Over 80 local vendors, businesses, food trucks, and organizations will be tabling, sprawled throughout the park. Be on the lookout for a map coming soon so you can be sure to visit them all!

There will be a kids play area sponsored by Little Garden Montessori School with a Drag Story Hour!

Dutchess Pride will be providing free banned books (suggested donations welcome)

The parking lot directly off John M. Flowers Circle will be CLOSED for the duration of the parade and festival. Please use other parking options, or utilize public transportation.

We have medical tents, security, free water for both humans and furry friends, and an ambulance on-site as safety precautions.

Dutchess Pride board members, staff, and volunteers will be roaming throughout the Festival if you need assistance or have a question. The shirts will have the DCPC logo on the front, and either the word “VOLUNTEER”, “BOARD”, or “FOUNDER” on the back. Stop any one of us and we will be happy to help you! Additionally, please report any suspicious or unusual activity to the nearest security guard or staff member.

Help us PoughKEEP It Clean! Discard any trash or unwanted items in the designated trash cans throughout the park. Do your part, don’t litter.

The Festival is definitely pet-friendly! We have multiple vendors selling dog goodies and animal rescues! Please pick up after your pets.

Our theme this year is Pride Across Generations - Celebrating 100 Years of the Modern Pride Movement. You may have noticed our advertising and marketing reflecting different decades as we get closer to the day! Feel free to dress up in bell bottoms, leg warmers, frosted tips, or anything else that throws you back to a favorite decade!