The third annual Greenway Pride came wrapped as a summertime Halloween Party. In between Taylor and Webster streets, a stage and tents were assembled July 26, and fun ensued. Some of the vendors were Halloween or Gothic themed. There was a tent with free water, freeze-pops and snacks. Many of the 150 participants arrived in costume, and there were prizes for the Unique, Prettiest Witch and best Corpse Bride. Rebecca from Rainbow Dog Entertainment based in Macungie turned out marvelous balloon sculptures and animals.

There was security for the event. The Bethlehem Police Department sent two bike officers. Organizer Maggie Riegel said, “Chief Michelle Kott has been very supportive.” Omega Security, in their royal blue polos, provided additional security. This was Omega’s second year at the event.

The event was opened by cohost Jenny Henny. The Queer Choir performed Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra”. DJ Sakura Ryoko kept the music going. Patrons strolled the Greenway, chatting and perusing the vendors and organizations. Vendors included Bad Ashes Oddities, Never Ending Glass, Petrichor Art, Henna Chakra, Tooth Gems by Emilee, Eskandalo/The Other Side, and Ghost Encounters. Organizations included Bethlehem City Dems, Trans Equity Project, QTLV, LVHS, Silk LV, Bradbury Sullivan Center, Pflag and Free Mom Hugs. Sponsors were Hocus Pocus Cleaning Services, Main Street Real Estate Group, BlueWater Abstract, SCF Architecture, Silk LV, Gotta Go Potties, Ghost Marketing Company, Omega Protective Services, Touchstone Theatre, Sotto Santi, and Tulume Restaurant.

Max and his sister Aveline won Unique Costumes. Max was a Lanternfish. Aveline described her costume as “a combination of Chucky and Pennywise.”

There were also winners for Prettiest Witch and Best Corpse Bride. Each prize winner won prizes from Social Still, Touchstone Theater, Tulum Restaurant, Lit Coffee shop and Eskandalo Salon & Boutique. The business donated the prizes.

The organizers of Greenway Pride hope to hold the event in May next year. They hope to have more sponsors. Sponsorships are tiered; the lowest is $100. They also hope to advertise more. This year advertising was through social media, word-of-mouth and posters in local businesses. Next year they hope to have a presence at some community events.

Maggie Riegel’s organizing partners are Justin Torok, and Allison Leigh, and Ashley’s husband Mike. Riegel is in her final year of graduate school, earning her PhD. Justin has a business, Ghost Marketing Company: ghostmarketingco.com/. Leigh runs the Eskandalo Salon & Other Side Boutique, at 12-14 W. Fourth St. Her salon is an inclusive space. eskandalohair.com/ by appointment only. She has also been hosting live music shows.

Eventually, Greenway Pride hopes to incorporate as a nonprofit. For now, you can follow Greenway Pride on Instagram to see when their next events will be.