Pride celebrated in Port Washington

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“Be The Rainbow” written in chalk on Port Washington’s bay walk. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

Melanie D’Arrigo, co-founder of Be The Rainbow, said that this year’s Pride Walk was especially important due to recent anti-LGBTQ legislation and the increased danger for LGBTQ+ youth.

D’Arrigo said this June was monumental as the Town of North Hempstead officially declared June as Pride Month. This was achieved through a resolution presented by Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, whom D’arrigo thanked.

Washington Police Department logos drawn on the bay walk. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes) partment, local government officials and the Congregational Church of Manhasset.

Park on the proposed adoption of the Incorporated Village of Floral Park Local Law No. 2 of 2023 and following the close of the hearing, the Village Board duly adopted the Incorporated Village of Floral Park Local Law No. 2 of 2023 entitled: “A Local Law Repealing § 99.25.D. of The Code of The Incorporated Village of Floral Park.” This local law shall take effect immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of State.

DATED: June 23, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FLORAL PARK, NY

SUSAN E. WALSH VILLAGE CLERK

“Unfortunately we are living in a world, in a country, where the LGBTQ community is under attack,” D’Arrigo said.

She said Be The Rainbow wanted the Pride Walk to bring attention to those issues for Port Washington community members to be aware of the polarization.

D’Arrigo said that purpose of Be The Rainbow and the Pride Walk is to show that Port Washington is inclusive for everyone.

The day before the walk, locals and community organizations gathered to “chalk the walk,” writing encouraging words and drawing illustrations along the bay walk for the parade to follow the next day.

Rainbow renditions of the Port Washington Fire Department and Port

Phrases written on the walk included “Port loves you,” “Be The Rainbow” and “Love wins,” all written in rainbow colors. The Port Washington Fire Department and Port Washington Police Department drew their logos on the walk, adapting them to have rainbow-colored themes.

The ¾ three-quarter-mile walk started at Port Washington’s Bay Walk Park and concluded at the John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell in Sunset Park.

Many local organizations marched in the Pride Walk, including members of the Port Washington Fire De-

At the conclusion of the walk, attendees were greeted with a pride celebration that included performances by Sunshyne + the Foxx, a variety of vendors and food trucks.

Free rainbow sprinkle ice cream sandwiches from Smusht and Italian ice from Ralph’s Italian Ice were handed out to attendees.

As festivities continued throughout the remainder of the sunny Saturday afternoon, the park was filled with children’s laughter, dance music, elaborate performances and a display of rainbow in support of the LGBTQ+ community.