The Hudson Pride organization announced March 20 that it would not hold a parade down Warren Street for the first time in six years this June. The group and parade launched in 2010, working to, "foster awareness of LGBT issues, work for equality, be a positive resource for the community, and award scholarships to Columbia County high school seniors for college tuition." But, now, their statement said, "after six years we lost several of our key volunteer leaders. Hudson Pride Weekend costs a great deal of money and takes months of planning and preparing not to mention, lots and lots and lots of volunteers." The group will be, "adding advocacy for LGBT elders into our mission."


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The full statement from Hudson Pride is in the WGXC Newsroom:

The Hudson Pride Foundation is run by an all-volunteer board of directors and was created to focus on education and scholarships for Columbia County students. We are now adding advocacy for LGBT elders into our mission.

Our decision to not plan Hudson Pride this year was not an easy one. We love Hudson and we love Hudson Pride Weekend. For the past 6 years we have had the honor and privilege of working with an amazing group of volunteers who have helped make this community event a reality. But after 6 years we lost several of our key volunteer leaders. Hudson Pride Weekend costs a great deal of money and takes months of planning and preparing not to mention, lots and lots and lots of volunteers.

The celebration of pride belongs to ALL of us, not just the Hudson Pride Foundation. We heartily and sincerely encourage other members of the community who wish to plan a festival and parade to join together and create this celebration for the city of Hudson. We look forward to continuing to serve the needs of the LBGT community in other ways. We sincerely hope that you - our friends, neighbors, and community leaders - will continue to work with us and support us as we grow.