New Hope, PA's Gay Pride Weekend Features Comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer

New Hope, PA, March 02, 2008 --(PR.com)-- New Hope Celebrates (NHC) hosts its 5th anniversary pride weekend May 16-18, 2008. This celebration of New Hope, Pennsylvania’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and allied (GLBTA) visitors, friends and neighbors is one of only a handful of pride festivals in the country with the principal goal of raising money to serve needs within the community. Highlights of the weekend include live performances by groundbreaking comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer, folk-funk musician Christine Havrilla and dance chart favorite Kristine W. NHC is also partnering with Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County’s Rainbow Room to host Sing Out Loud and Proud 2008, an entertainment showcase featuring “dragapella beautyshop quartet” The Kinsey Sicks.

“Our 5th anniversary weekend will be one of the best yet as we continue to celebrate our town’s diversity and inclusive spirit,” explains Louis Licitra, Chair of the New Hope Celebrates Pride Weekend. “As always, NHC will host great dance parties and extraordinary entertainment, but we’ll also demonstrate our equality through our 2nd annual pride parade through town, and welcome a wide audience through a softball tournament, art displays, a vendor fair and a family fitness event.”

Home of the famed Bucks County Playhouse and such popular nightspots as The Raven Resort, Triumph Brewing Company and The Nevermore Hotel, New Hope has long been lauded for its acceptance of the gay community. The New Hope Borough Council is recognized as one of the first municipalities in Pennsylvania to pass an antidiscrimination law, as well as a resolution in favor of same-sex marriages. Situated along the banks of the scenic Delaware River, New Hope is the perfect getaway destination for all ages and interests. This sophisticated yet relaxed, country town just a short drive north of Philadelphia and a train ride from New York City, offers unique shopping; live music and theatre; historic barge, train and horse-drawn carriage rides; museums, art galleries and antiques shops; fine restaurants and casual fare; plus romantic bed & breakfasts and family-friendly hotels—all within one square-mile.

New Hope Celebrates is a nonprofit GLBTA tourism marketing organization of the retail, hospitality, professional and local community. The organization is hosted by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and endorsed by the New Hope Borough Council. As of Fall 2007, NHC has donated nearly $50,000 to such organizations as Fighting Aids Continuously Together (FACT: Bucks County), the New Hope Flood Relief Fund, the Human Rights Campaign and Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County’s Rainbow Room. Sponsorship opportunities and grant applications are available through the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund.

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