Joy, Laughter, and Love at Delaware County Pride in Andes

ANDES — Gray skies couldn’t dampen spirits this past Saturday as Delaware County Pride launched its 2025 celebrations in the courtyard of the Andes Hotel. For the fourth year running, the beloved local venue provided a safe and joyful gathering space for LGBTQ+ community members and allies to celebrate visibility, love, and inclusion.

The afternoon began with craft-making and story time for children, organized by the Roxbury Arts Group, offering a warm and welcoming start for families. As the day unfolded, a dazzling lineup of drag performers brought the courtyard to life. Hosted by the ever-glamorous Lilly Bola and featuring Natalie Taylor, Jahyra Joelle, and Zaria Davenport, the show delivered laughter, glamour, and cheers, as performers danced through the crowd amid a generous flurry of dollar bills.

Throughout the event, attendees of all ages and backgrounds mingled, danced, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to organizers for creating an affirming space in the heart of the Catskills.

Before the evening’s auction began, Andes Hotel proprietor Derek Curl took to the stage to thank the performers, volunteers, and guests. “For me, every day is Pride Day and it’s wonderful to see this freedom of spirit, diversity and inclusion celebrated in the back yard of the hotel,” he said.

The energy continued with a spirited community auction hosted by Rick Gallo, featuring generous prizes from local businesses, including weekend getaways and a coveted holiday party appearance from Andes’ own Santa, Billy Hancock. All proceeds will support LGBTQ+ initiatives and future Pride programming in the region.

“We are gathering here today as a protest and also to host an event full of love and joy and pride,” said Er Carpiniello, COO of Delaware County Pride. “We love this place so much. The Catskills are an incredible community to be a part of — celebrating everyone as they authentically are.”

As evening set in, the courtyard became the stage for a joyous dance party that brought the day to a jubilant close. Saturday’s celebration served as a powerful reminder that even under cloudy skies, Pride shines brightly in Delaware County.