Blairstown Democrats Organize First Pride Flag Raising in Warren County History

In observance of Pride Month, the Blairstown Democrats supported the LGBTQ+ community in Blairstown and the surrounding areas by advocating for and organizing Warren County’s first ever Pride flag raising. The event took place on June 5 at the iconic Footbridge Park in historic downtown Blairstown.

The collective efforts of the Blairstown Democrats included creating a petition that garnered over 344 signatures in support of raising the Pride flag and a town proclamation, numerous letters of support sent to town committee members, fundraising, organizing and orchestrating the town’s first Pride event that drew an estimated 200 people to the inaugural ceremonial flag raising.

“This is a huge deal for Warren County. To have advocates, township leaders and members of the LGBTQ community come together for the first time in support of the LGBTQ+ community in Blairstown is unprecedented and a tremendous step forward for our town and county,” said Blairstown Democrats Municipal Chair Gina Trish. “This area will no longer lag behind other parts of the state in supporting fundamental issues of equality. We do not accept that and the Blairstown Democrats are proud to be a part of the effort to bring representation and support for our LGBTQ+ community.”

The event program, MC’d by community member Henry Doell, included remarks by Blairstown Democrats Municipal Chair Gina Trish, Blairstown Methodist Church Reverend David Tillisch, Newton Presbyterian Church Pastor David Young, and several members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Blairstown Mayor Moorhead and Councilman Orcutt provided remarks and read a town proclamation declaring the township’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Music was performed by local opera singer Alison Bolshoi, residents Craig Evans and Brian Kathenes, and DJ Lindsay Klein. There was also a pet pride costume contest awarding prizes to the top 3 pets with the most pride.

The town of Phillipsburg in the southern part of Warren County celebrated their first Pride flag raising event later in the month on June 28.