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Rehoboth Pride Festival brightens convention hall

More than 60 vendors offer participants an opportunity to connect with businesses, faith communities, healthcare providers and organizations that stand with the LGBTQ+ community. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
July 23, 2025

Sussex Pride held its annual Rehoboth Beach Pride Festival July 19, celebrating love, inclusion and diversity with a day of merriment, awareness and unity for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Roxy Overbrooke acted as emcee and entertainment for the day at convention hall. Her energy and talent led an all-star cast of entertainers that included JC Pizzaz, the Clear Space Theatre cast, Ivy Blu Austin, Goldstar and Kadet Kelly.

Workshops tackled a variety of critical issues in the LGBTQ+ community such as healthcare, suicide prevention, access to legal protection, and challenges for the LGBTQIA-identified Latinx community.

More than 60 vendors offered opportunities to connect with businesses, faith communities, healthcare providers and organizations that stand with the LGBTQ+ community.

A raffle was held to support unhoused LGBTQ+ youth in Delaware. Raffle donors were SoDel Concepts, Viking Bags, Michael Kors, Goolee’s Grille, Milton Theatre, The Listening Booth, Clear Space Theatre, Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli, Rehoboth Beach Film Society, Lori’s Oy Vey! Cafe, The Purple Parrot, Aqua and The Pines.

For more information, go to sussexpride.org/rehobothbeach.

 

Drag queen Roxy Overbrooke sings a popular tune.
Matt Whalen shows his life’s philosophy at the Sussex Pride Festival July 19 in Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
Eric Engberg and his canine Lucy show off their SPCA shirt they purchased at the event.
Pastor Karis Graham of the Community Lutheran Church in Frankford gets a smooch from rescue dog Cody while volunteer Adam Travan holds the leash.
Greeting people at the event is Miss Diamond State Samantha Mason.
Richard Thibodeau displays his talent of painting on glass.
Jenele Mattera works the Habitat for Humanity table.
Terry Mansberger is the Historic Lewes tavern keeper.
Giving information about healthcare is Beebe Healthcare’s David Szumski.
Kim Wacson, left, and Celina McHugh give information about the Delaware Institute for Reproductive Medicine.
Nena Rapposelli gives out information at the Planned Parenthood table.
EsaDiva Maven of E’s Tees & More shows her Pride merchandise.
Ed Moore, left, and Stephen Decker display their glow-in-the-dark fire and sand fused glass.
Matt Hocking picks up some fun freebies.
Olly Kidde and Mary Richardson stand with their unique Pride cupcakes.
Mary Richardson purchases the book “Marsha” from Ryan Eanes and Claire van den Broek of Huxley & Hiro Booksellers.
Displaying her wares is Audrey Mason from Pottery Mason.
Brian McCurdy, left, and Kristine Read give out information on the Delaware Democratic Party Pride Caucus.
Giving out free mom hugs are (l-r) Kathie McDermott, Jodi Holsten, Courtney Yount McGinnis and Jessica Crichlow.
Representing Dykes on Bikes are Judge Karen Pine, left, and Madam Di Pine.
Showing off her Rainbow is Oakley Antonazzo, 12.
Enjoying the event in back are (l-r) William Gestole aka Mr. Rehoboth Leather, Michael Whitlock, Rob Wilkinson, Lee Whitehead and Matt Hocking. In front is Jeff Donovan.
Working the Tanger Outlet Pride wheel are Jennifer Kayes, left, and Sara Rike.
Photographer Brad Cox of BWC Photography displays his photos for purchase at the event.
Kim Johnson shows one of her favorite photos up for sale at the event.
DJ MK keeps the music pumping during the event.
Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach, left, attends the event with her wife Mikki.
Lisa Soens of Gay Women of Rehoboth welcomes the crowd at the event entrance.
Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach, speaks about legislation she has presented with Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes.
Drag king JC Pizzazz entertains the crowd with boy band songs.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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