The 100-degree heat did not stop nearly 1,300 people from attending the first annual Medford Pride Festival on the evening of July 15.
The inaugural festival was organized by a team of local residents and activists who wanted to create an event that embraced diversity, inclusion and celebration. It was spearheaded by Pola Galie, owner of Lower Forge Brewery on Main Street.
“What we’re doing is a universal pride,” Galie said in a June interview with The Sun, “so it’s meant to be a sober, family-oriented event that is inclusive, supportive, accessible and educational.”
That goal was achieved by organizers, township, sponsors, vendors and attendees of all ages from across South Jersey.
Medford has never had a large-scale event in support of the LGBTQ+ community, and it was important for Galie and her team of volunteers to change that.
“When we started planning this, it began as a small picnic in Medford,” recalled TJ Branin, one of the organizers, during the festival’s opening remarks. “And how appropriate is that, to be at Freedom Park? Then it grew, and we needed Freedom Park to provide us with enough space for everyone you see here.
“To me, freedom is when you make space for others to pursue their vision of life, liberty, happiness,” he continued. “As we celebrate in Freedom Park on the 250th year of the independence of the United States of America, remember that our pledge states ‘liberty and justice for all.’
“The entirety of the LGBTQIA+ community must be included in that all.”
Medford Pride organizer and Transgender Rights Coalition of New Jersey member Melissa Firstenberg with an ASL interpreter during the festival’s opening remarks.
A portion of the park was lined with tables, tents and food trucks, plus a small stage and plenty of space for strolling, sitting and watching performances.
Nearly 50 vendors were at the festival, ranging from the Medford Friends Meeting and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office to local crafters and artists.
Local musicians Erica DiUlio, Gwen Kerfoot and Cay Green, Old Man Garage Band and Jackson Taylor Blues Co. all took the stage throughout the night. The most energy at the event was during drag performances by three queens from Vineland’s What the Buzz Productions.
They performed to age-appropriate music – including some ’80s favorites and recent pop hits – and had attendees singing and dancing along. The drag performers were also accompanied by ASL interpreters who signed during the performances and any speeches.
“This is exactly what we hoped we would see, people just enjoying the evening, celebrating together, enjoying life together,” noted Melissa Firstenberg, one of the organizers of the event and member of the Transgender Rights Coalition of New Jersey.
Along with the festival’s activities, the significance of hosting an event supporting the LGBTQ+ community was communicated by the organizers and local officials.
Councilman Ray Coxe read a proclamation on behalf of the township recognizing the event, and state Assemblyman Anthony Angelozzi presented its organizers with citations from the state legislature.
“I’m here for any event that promotes inclusivity,” Angelozzi said, “treating people equal and making people feel comfortable as who they are.”
Children, adults and seniors enjoy drag performances at Medford’s first annual Pride Festival at Freedom Park on July 15.
