Union County Celebrates Pride Month with “Pride in the Park” Activity Day, June 18 – UCNJ.org
Grand opening of new, inclusive Tëmike Park in Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield.
The Union County Commissioner Board invites all families and friends to enjoy Pride in the Park, an afternoon of all-ages fun outdoor festivities in celebration of the opening of Tëmike Park, a new inclusive LGBTQ+ space located at the northern end of Union County’s Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield that features design elements welcoming to youth of all identities and abilities.
Pride in the Park is organized through the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs and will take place on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission to the event is free and no pre-registration is required.
“Cedar Brook is a jewel in the crown of the Union County Parks system, and it shines all the more brightly with the addition of the new Tëmike Park, the first-of-its-kind inclusive public space in our area,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “We welcome all to come and enjoy.”
“Tëmike Park is a beautiful green space that represents our commitment to building a community that celebrates diversity, equality, and respect for the dignity of every person throughout the year as well as during Pride Month,” said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, who is the Board’s liaison to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
The Pride in the Park festivities include all-day art activities for teens, crafts for children, lawn games, and opportunities to connect with LGBTQ resource organizations, allies and advocates, along with a full schedule of special events:
- Official Ribbon Cutting at noon
- Drag Queen Story Hour at 12:30 p.m., with Harmonica Sunbeam
- Drag Dance-Off at 1:30 p.m. featuring Lady Keyante
- What’s the Word at Pride Slam Poetry at 2:30 p.m., hosted by the Association for the Creative and Performance Arts, featuring Nourish Cruz
Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring their own snacks and beverages.
Additional Pride Month activities hosted by Union County in June include:
LGBTQ+ Trivia Night
Thursday, June 16th from 6PM – 9PM
Please note the change of date
The Tavern at Ash Brook, 1210 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains
Registration Required: Register Online
Queer Empowerment Hour: We Say Gay, the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ state laws and patchwork legal protections across the country
Monday, June 20th at 7PM
Virtual discussion
Registration Required: Register Online
LGBTQ+ Professionals Mixer: Rescheduled to take place in conjunction with the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee meeting on July 28 at The Watt in Rahway, from 6pm to 9pm.
Youth Pride Dance (Ages 13+): Rescheduled to Friday, October 7 from 6pm to 8pm at Warinanco Sports Center.
Head Over Heels the musical
Thursday, June 30th at 7PM
Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving St, Rahway
General Admission – Free Tickets Available by reservation: Call the Box Office at 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org to reserve.
Presented in partnership with the City of Rahway and Rahway Social Justice Commission
Cedar Brook Park is one of the original parts of the Union County parks system, established in the 1920’s as one of the few county-based park systems in the U.S. Representing the legacy of famed landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, Cedar Brook hosts both active and passive uses including team sports, tennis, handball, playgrounds, walking paths, picnic areas and the historic Shakespeare Garden. For a park map visit https://ucnj.org/parks-activities/
Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established in 2018 under the Department of Economic Development. It is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey. It offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
For Pride Month schedule updates and more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
# #
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.