For a second year in a row, COVID-19 is washing out the colors of the Rainbow Flag. The 2021 edition of New Hope’s Pride Parade has been cancelled, reports Doug Gross for the New Hope-Lambertville Patch. 

Usually held in May, the celebration was once again called off, at least in its traditional format, by its organizers, New Hope Celebrates (NHC). Instead, the group is planning events that can be experienced safely in May and June. 

“Our community, like many others, has been affected by the pandemic and the NHC board does not feel it is safe to bring 5,000-10,000 people together at this time,” read the official statement. “There are ways to celebrate Pride together while also supporting the local businesses, restaurants, bars, galleries and more.” 

The group noted that while Pennsylvania and New Jersey both have lifted some coronavirus restrictions, large gatherings like Pride reman unadvisable. 

Details about future events will be posted at the New Hope Celebrates website as they become available, the group said. 

For the complete story on the 2021 Pride Parade, see the New Hope-Lambertville Patch.