BUFFALO PRIDE FESTIVAL

“We met in the middle,” says Jess Ludeke of Brayton, New York, outside of Rochester, walking along Main Street with Rachel Ragosta, who lives in Findley Lake on the Southern Tier. “Buffalo is halfway for both of us – plus it’s Pride!” This was the pair’s first time at @buffaloprideweek and they had had a lot of fun at Pride Fest that fills every possible inch of Canalside with revelers, rainbows, food trucks, and several stages of performers. “We like that Buffalo’s Pride Fest is on the water, it’s really beautiful,” says Rachel. Jess (in green shades and rainbow shirt) and Rachel were in the middle of an action-packed Buffalo weekend that featured coffee, breweries, nature, cycling, and restaurants. “@spot.coffee.official is my favorite coffee shop,” says Rachel, “and I came from Seattle, Washington, so that’s saying quite a bit!” “Yesterday we went to a new brewery, @waylandbrewing, in Orchard Park, and we both would definitely recommend it,” says Jess, “their food, beer, and ambience are all good. It’s also vegan and vegetarian-friendly.” “We did go biking at Birdsong Park in Orchard Park,” says Rachel, it’s beautiful with wooded areas and bridges. We found it online.” Will Jess and Rachel be back for Buffalo’s next Pride, and to check out more of the city? They answer with a resounding, synchronized “yes!”

Story and photo by @nancyjparisi