We are pleased to announce that on Saturday October 1st, 2005 the first ever Adirondack Pagan Pride Day had 350+ person's in attendance.  This made our inaugural event a greater success then any of us could have imagined.

Many Thanks to our Presenter's

Patricia Telesco

John C. Coughlin

John and Lillee Allee

Keith Rhino Veeder

Dr. William Brender

Dr. Sheldon Hurst

Dr. Philip Naftaly

Lady Janice

Lady Robin

Lady Loretta

And To the Vendor's

Coffinator's:  Magic, Myth, and Lore

Northern Lore

Craig's Cards and More

Mystical Gypsie

Dawn's Mystical Journey

Silver Wolf Productions

Witches -N- Stiches

And a special thanks to everyone who attended...we will see you nexted year!!!!

Please feel free to check out our 2006 website

www.freewebs.com/appd2006

The Adirondack Pagan Pride Day offers another opportunity for regional Pagans to make the transition from solitary (or at home) workings, or local workings to a more public and eclectic venue. By appreciating our diversity, and even celebrating it, APPD does exactly what Pagan Pride National hopes to achieve both inside the community and out. It is an important (if not essential) bridging mechanism between NeoPagan religious beliefs and those of many people who want to know more about the New Age movement and what it means to be Pagan, Wiccan, etc.

The amazing part of APPD is that it was planned and executed in only THREE months. Now, this might not seem impressive at first until you know that most Pagan Pride Festivals begin planning one year ahead of time. This was thanks greatly to the Pagan Fellowship of Glens Falls. This independent organization of Pagans welcomes members together for community and support as a circle of equals. Everyone has something to share; everyone can help with networking, and everyone can share in a vision that begins in a lovely little store (Coffinators - 274 Broadway, Ft. Edward NY) and extends to the entire region and beyond.

I have participated in over 20 events a year for the past 7 years and have never seen an event with so little prep time succeed with such smoothness and flair. There had to be at least 300 people in attendance, some Pagan - some not (and that does not include staff). The Adirondac Community College personnel were present and incredibly supportive. Thanks again to everyone in the faculty and student population who made such a wonderful campus open for this incredible event. The space was level and shaded, parking plentiful, and indoor facilities right nearby when we needed anything. The culinary staff even cooked up a hearty lunch!

The one thing that struck me throughout the event is that all day I never heard one bad word -- no arguments, no panicked moments, no prejudice, no politics. And as I watched, I saw the nervousness on the faces of the facilitators go from a somewhat concerned look to huge, proud smiles (as well it should be!). There were many individuals to praise: Charles Coffin, President of APPD who basically wore every hat imaginable; , VP and organizational maven; Lisa Howes - my contact who had to juggle kids, secretarial duties, and trying to get this author to the site when travel problems arose; Karen Johnson - treasurer (the shy retiring one), and Charly Lynch my very prompt motor-cycle "taxi driver" who also acted as liaison between PPD International and APPD. Last but not least - Bill VanPatten the tireless webmaster who spent countless hours trying to help secure speakers, vendors, and any other follow-ups needed. I'm sure there are people I'm forgetting - but please know that EACH of you gave something to this event and made what might have been impossible otherwise, not only possible but profoundly wonderful.

As with all PPD events, giving something back locally and globally was a primary goal. The community produced over 175 pounds of food for shelters, and raised money for hurricane relief. They also donated a portion of the day's proceeds to the Charles R. Woods Oncology Center.

And, of course there were numerous vendors and presenters to round out the glorious day. Among the vendors we found Northern Lore with lovely walking sticks and stangs, Silver Wolf productions with beautiful jewelry, Dawns Mystic Journey with a variety of spiritual goods, and Witches-n-Stitches whose besoms were stunning.

For speakers we had a lovely variety. John C. Coughlin spoke on shadow work and high magick. Dr. William Brender gave a very informative discussion on Jewish Kabbalah. Professor Sheldon Hurst, an ACC professor, presented The Goddess in Art over the Ages, and Professor Phil Nafataly presented Diversity in Warren and Washington Counties.

At the end of the day, we retired to a great German restaurant for fun, fellowship, and a chance at last to discuss the day. Everyone agreed it was an astonishing success, which should continue to shine brightly next year. If you would like to learn more about APPD and its members, contact PO Box 173, Fort Edward NY 12828 or the links below.

This article was posted at:

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usny&c=festivals&id=10202

When:  Saturday, October 1st, 2005

Time:   9:00am to 6:00pm

Where:  Adirondack Community College, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804

* see maps below

How Much:  Please bring a canned or boxed food item to be donated to the local food pantry.

Food:      ACC's Faculty Student Association  will be providing meals for the day for $5-$10 per meal  per person.

*Speakers:            Follow the link to the speaker's list. http://www.freewebs.com/appd/presenters.htm

Vendors:               Follow the link to the vendor's list. http://www.freewebs.com/appd/vendors.htm

For further information email:  upstatenyguy1313@yahoo.com

* All speakers are tentatively scheduled and may be subject to change.