The Rev. Wen-Ling Lai speaks at Pride Day. Photo by J. Phalon, 6/2023
Rain clouds parted briefly, just long enough for Blairstown to mark Pride Day in Footbridge Park June 3rd.
As in previous years, the rainbow Pride flag was raised in the park, just below the American flag. Despite the grey weather more than 100 people turned out to join in the event that featured music, vendors and Mexican food.
Craig & Brian of the band “Exit 12” provided entertainment. Photo by J. Phalon, 6/2023
Several local elected officials as well as clergy members were also present. The event was emceed by Blairstown’s Henry Doell.
Blairstown Township Committee Member Karen Lance welcomed the attendees.
Blairstown Committee Member Karen Lance discusses the importance of community involvement. Photo by J. Phalon, 6/2023
Lance talked about the pride she had in the community as well as the Township Committee, pointing out that the governing body had unanimously passed a resolution proclaiming Pride Day in Blairstown.
“We’re a small, rural community,” Lance said. “But we all came together for today.”
Blairstown was the first town in Warren County to raise the Pride flag when it flew over the 2021 Pride Day festivities.
Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer
Joe was lured out of retirement by the opportunity to be a part of the Ridge View Echo. During a decades-long career in publishing and journalism, he has covered government on many levels from local school boards to the United States Supreme Court.
Along the way, Joe has worked at American Lawyer Magazine, The National Law Journal and The Record among other publications, and as the Press Officer of Columbia Law School. His work has been recognized with several first place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the New Jersey Press Association.
Being part of the Ridge View Echo brings Joe back to his roots and the kind of news coverage he loves: Telling the stories of people and local communities as well as keeping an eye on how their money is spent by their government officials.
Joe lives in Blairstown with his wife Rose, the founder of Quilting for a Cause, and their two wiener dogs. He is an artist in his spare time.
