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West Branch Pride announced RuPaul's Drag Race season 18 contestant Mandy Mango will headline the organization's inaugural Port Pride Festival in Brandon Park on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
According to a news release, Port Pride will bring Williamsport's LGBTQ+ community together "with drag performers, community partners, vendors, music, and allies for a full day of celebration, visibility, and joy in the heart of Williamsport. Where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs."
"Although now known to audiences around the world, Mandy Mango's drag story is deeply rooted in Williamsport, PA, where she built her drag career performing and organizing shows at the historic Pajama Factory and in Pride events across central PA," the news release said. "Returning to the city where the tree was first sprouted, Mandy will open the festival with a high energy performance at the Brandon Park Bandshell, followed by a free meet and greet with festival attendees."
"West Branch Pride is committed to advocating for the LGBTQ community in Williamsport and beyond, and welcoming Mandy Mango back to the city for our first ever pride festival is incredibly exciting as we celebrate our community together at Brandon Park this fall" said Jen King Zarko, Port Pride Planning Committee Chair and Treasurer of West Branch Pride, according to the news release. "The announcement is the perfect follow up to an amazing show aboard the Hiawatha just a week ago!"
The announcement comes nearly a week after West Branch Pride partied on the Susquehanna during their annual Drag Cruise on the Hiawatha. The Cruise featured performances by drag queens Tequila Daniels, Alexus Daniels, Sara Casm, and the debuting Darlene Cuisine, as well as drag kings, Dallas and Shamus Daniels, giving the audience on board an evening of performances, music, and games on the water.
Port Pride will feature performances throughout the day from local and regional drag performers and musicians on the main stage at the Brandon Park Bandshell. Also featured will be community organizations, vendors, and activities designed to bring together the community across Central PA. Additional performers, schedule details, vendors, accessibility, and other details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Attendees are encouraged to follow West Branch Pride on social media and visit WestBranchPride.org for updates, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship information, vendor applications, and accessibility details. Those interested in participating in Port Pride as a sponsor, vendor, or community partner can also find more information and contact forms on the site.
Founded in 2019, West Branch Pride's is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission "is to engage members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to create a safe and inclusive environment by providing opportunities to express and celebrate diverse perspectives, emphasizing acceptance for all," the news release said. "Through annual events, Pop Up Prides, educational programs, and partnerships with local organizations, West Branch Pride works to build safer, more welcoming spaces for all"