Rochester's first gay pride day set for September 10

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts will host a gay pride celebration in Central Square, in downtown Rochester on Sept. 10 from noon-5 p.m.

The mission, according to a museum press release is to promote unity, visibility, inclusivity, equality, and a positive image of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

Downtown businesses and organizations will display rainbow pride flags with some participants hosting events and activities within their establishments.

Supporters include: At Peace Body Arts, Bernier Insurance Inc., First Church Congregational, The Garage at The Governor's Inn, The Governor's Inn, Jetpack Comics & Games, Lilac City Grille, Magrilla's Restaurant, Mel Flanagan's Irish Pub & Café, Revolution Taproom & Grill, RiverStones Custom Framing and Gallery, Rochester Opera House, Skeletones Records, Spaulding Steak & Ale, Studley's Flower Gardens, Tri-City Bicycles, and Under the Moon Shoppe.

The event will feature live music by: Dan Lofthouse Band, Leftist Marching Band and remarks by: Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, First Church Congregational; Mayor Dana Hilliard, Somersworth; Mayor Caroline McCarley, Rochester; and Carol Shea Porter, former U.S. Representative.

The event will also have vendors/information booths with activities and resources. Vendors include: ACLU New Hampshire, Connect A Pet New England, First Church Congregational, Friends of the Rochester Public Library, Granite State Choral Society, Guyer Travel, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Marvelous Mouse Travels, Paparazzi Accessories, Pure Romance, Rochester Main Street, Seacoast Outright, and Younique.

As part of the festivities, the Rochester Public Library will be screening "The Birdcage" starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. The library also features multiple art exhibitions throughout the building. RiverStones Custom Framing and Gallery will have art on display as well. When the event ends, attendees are invited to Revolution Taproom & Grill for an "After Party" gathering.

Free Parking is available on Union Street, North Main Street (Across from Lilac City Grille), and behind City Hall. Event organizers are discouraging attendees from parking in private lots to help avoid ticketing/towing.

This event is made possible by Rochester Main Street (supported in part by a grant from the New Hampshire State Council On The Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.), Rochester Police Department, and the City of Rochester. Visit www.rochestermfa.org/pride for more information.