NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — North Adams Pride announced that their first annual Northern Lights Ball will be held on Saturday, March 11 for members of the regional LGBTQ-plus community and allies "to shake off the winter blues."

 

The Ball's theme encourages attendees to "dress to impress" by drawing inspiration from "glitter, glam, and sparkles" or their favorite LGBTQ-plus icon. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed, Brightest, and Best Icon Impersonation. 

 

Doors will open at 8 p.m. at the North Adams Elks Lodge at 100 Eagle St., and festivities will conclude at 12:30 a.m. 

 

Tickets for the Northern Lights Ball can be purchased online via Eventbrite at northernlightsball.eventbrite.com, by using the QR code on posters throughout the region, or in person at the event. This event is open to all members of the public 21 years of age and older, current ID will be required for entry.

 

The Northern Lights Ball will include a cash-only bar, and Berkshire DJ BFG will provide music. The event emcee will be Northern Berkshires' own drag performer Vuronika Baked. She will be joined by fellow performers Jackie Leggs and Miss Ginger Soulless who, according to North Adams Pride member Andrew Fitch, "will entertain revelers and ensure there is no absence of fun and frolic." 

 

The night's special guests, New England Ballroom Performers and creators of Northampton Vogue Nights, Milz 007 and Mz. October May Lay will perform and provide opportunities for partygoers to compete in several ballroom categories. 

 

The event was created by the newly formed North Adams Pride nonprofit to raise awareness around its mission and help raise funds for its roster of 2023 events.

 

"I want to do my part to help make sure that those in the local queer community feel safe, comfortable, and supported living out and proud in the Northern Berkshires in the same way I have for 22 years and being part of North Adams Pride gives me a way to do that," said Kurt Kolok, group member and longtime North Adams resident.

 

Numerous residents have volunteered vehicles, labor, and sound equipment while several local businesses have provided some event sponsorship. The group is actively seeking individual participants and supporters along with organizational sponsorship for 2023 and beyond.

 

Members of the group, a mixture of local LGBTQ-plus community members and allies, have helped to organize the June Pride Night celebrations held in the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts courtyard over the past two years, and have built award-winning Pride floats in the 2021 and 2022 North Adams Fall Foliage Parades. The group plans to continue supporting these events in 2023 while creating new opportunities to celebrate and spotlight LGBTQ-plus residents, visitors, and businesses in the Northern Berkshires. 

 

North Adams Pride activities are centered on three pillars of action: Educate, Celebrate and Innovate, inclusively. 

 

"We want to make sure North Adams Pride serves and uplifts all members of our community and our allies, throughout the year," said Jennifer Stevens, North Adams Pride member and owner of Bear & Bee Bookstore, which serves as the organization's headquarters.

 

There will be a signup sheet at the ball for those interested in joining North Adams Pride or volunteering for special events. For additional information, visit www.facebook.com/northadamspride, follow on Instagram at @northadamspride, or email northadamspride@gmail.com.