Commission debriefs PrideFest 2026 after lower revenue, vendor and protest issues

Chairperson Brianna Bloom Scudera told commissioners that PrideFest 2026 brought in mid‑to‑low $20,000 in revenue this year, down from a previously cited $35,000. She attributed the decline in part to a scheduling change in Boston and other concurrent events that drew non‑Middletown visitors away from the festival.

"Instead of $35,000 we had mid to low $20,000," Scudera said, and she announced debrief meetings with public safety and department heads next week to review lessons learned. Commissioners reported several operational problems: vendor confusion and sign‑up timing, late volunteer arrival for parade check‑in (check‑in was handled at McDonough School), and inconsistent communication about protest‑zone locations. Councilwoman Fulton said some regular vendors were unable to participate because they did not receive or see dates.

A participant who identified herself as Laura raised concerns that protesters "ignored" the designated protest zone and that police could not force them to move because of First Amendment protections. Scudera advised anyone with specific incidents to contact Captain Brian Hobbs in the police department as the community liaison and reiterated that the city has limited authority to remove speakers exercising protected speech unless they breach the peace.

Commissioners also discussed improving vendor outreach (earlier cutoffs, category limits for vendor types) and clearer volunteer assignments for parade staging. Chair Scudera asked Angela and Lisa to get feedback from the Chamber of Commerce and report back.