COURIER LIFE, JUNE 18-24, 2021 53
OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE BOROUGH OF KINGS
BY MATT TRACY
Park Slope’s got Pride!
There was no twilight march, but
a sizable crowd still showed up for a
lively neighborhood street festival on
June 12 to celebrate Brooklyn Pride.
The afternoon festival, which ran
along Fifth Avenue from Third to
Fifth Street, featured food and street
vendors, a stage for entertainment,
and an upbeat crowd — including people
of all ages, dogs dressed in rainbow
bandanas, and even unicorns!
Led by MC Lailah Lancing, a lineup
of performers took to the stage and
entertained folks who were walking
around with their Pride gear and food
from local stands.
Cheer New York dazzled with backfl
ips and a dance routine, while several
bands played songs in front of
the crowd. Folks also huddled around
drag queen Marilyn Monhoe as she interacted
with folks in attendance.
Locals said they were anticipating
Pride events ever since the coronavirus
pandemic decimated much of last
year’s plans. Azeki M-J Ali, 20, said he
found out about the festival through his
friends in the house ballroom scene.
“I wanted to make it out here,” Ali
said. “I live in Brooklyn, I am a queer
person, and I’ve never been.”
Families also made their way out
to the street festival. One mother, Danielle,
said she and her husband were
attending the event as allies.
“We live in the neighborhood,” said
Danielle, who did not want to share the
family’s last name. “This is the highlight
of the year for us. We’ve very
happy to celebrate.”
Rainbow collection Slope street fest brings out the crowd for Brooklyn Pride
Photos by Arthur de Gaeta