TOMS RIVER – It may have taken an extra two months to finally hit the streets, but when Toms River Pride made its colorful return this summer, the energy was electric. What started as a weather-delayed event became a vibrant celebration of love, inclusivity, and community spirit that filled Washington Street with music, laughter, and pride.
The Toms River Pride Committee, Exit 82 Theatre Company and the Toms River Artist Community (TRAC) put out the invitation to vendors and attendees to take part in the 7th Annual Pride Festival. With the support of the Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District (BID), Washington Street was transformed into a rainbow avenue on Saturday, August 16. Originally scheduled for June to honor national Pride Month, the festival was rescheduled due to bad weather forecasts, but the enthusiasm never wavered.
With about 120 vendors scheduled, the largest number in the event’s history, the festival sprawled across downtown Toms River. Booths showcased a medley of offerings from food trucks to artists selling handmade jewelry and prints, health providers and nonprofits sharing life-saving resources, churches extending affirmations of welcome, and advocacy groups offering opportunities to connect.
“It was probably the most vendors the festival has ever had,” said MJ Torres, executive director of the BID and also TRAC. “What stood out to me most was the sense of community.”
“Toms River has an accreditation through Main Street America, and we recently had a strategy visit with them,” Torres continued. “We put out a survey to the residents and business owners of downtown. One of the words that was repeated over and over again was the word ‘community’ – that we had a big sense of community here. And honestly, Saturday’s event proved that.”
The ages of the crowd ranged from children in strollers waving rainbow flags to seniors wearing shirts with messages of inclusivity. Some came dressed in rainbow capes, faces painted in bright colors, and outfits glittering with sequins and bold patterns. Others kept it casual in summer street clothes, just happy to be part of the celebration. The combination of smiles and presence carried the same message of acceptance and support.
Recognizing Leaders
The highlight of the celebration began with awards made to those who were recognized for outstanding advocacy in the LGBTQ+ community. Evan Phalon, who chairs the Toms River Pride Committee said he was honored to present the Advocate Awards to the recipients. Diane Musella is the New Jersey Library Association’s Librarian of the Year of Ocean County Library and heads up Free Mom Hugs Ocean County. Carrie Diona and Robert Robinson accepted awards on behalf of Barnegat Pride
“Diane is fantastic in what she does,” shared Phalon. “She runs Free Mom Hugs in Ocean County, which is an organization helping LBGTQ youth through the difficult times of coming out to their family. And aside from that good work, Diane also set up an LGBTQ+ library resource fair at the Ocean County Library. It turns out that the resource fair was the first of its kind across the state.”
Phalon said that the award presented to Barnegat Pride and accepted by Diona and Robinson was also special to him. He explained that the group is different than other Pride groups in the area.
“Toms River Pride is only one event every year,” Phalon said. “Barnegat Pride is a year-round member based LGBTQ+ advocacy and community organization, that has monthly events. It’s Ocean County’s go-to for year-round LGBTQ engagement.”
The Ocean County LGBTQ+ Democrats Caucus hosted its Pride Brunch as well, where longtime activist Lynda Fote was celebrated for decades of leadership and advocacy through her work with the Ocean County chapter of NOW (National Organization for Women). Her dedication to advancing equality and mentoring younger advocates was a reminder that Pride rests on the shoulders of those who have worked tirelessly for progress.
“These are people and groups who make life safer and better for LGBTQ+ folks and allies in our area,” Phalon said. “It’s about shining a light on their dedication.”
Performances That Stole The Show (And One That Tried To)
From the main stage, live music and performances kept the crowd buzzing all afternoon. Dan Stinger’s soulful set left listeners raving, while Red Bird Flying Solo brought her own magic to the mic. Drag stars like E. LicksHer, Milani & Cherri Leigh Sundae dazzled with sequins, humor, and powerhouse performances. Also featured were special remarks by Dr. Dale Caldwell, an education advocate and nominee for New Jersey lieutenant governor.
“Walking around downtown and seeing people dancing, laughing, and expressing themselves freely was the kind of joy that’s hard to put into words,” said one festival attendee.
A small group showed up with signs such as “Repent Or Perish” protesting the Pride celebration. Pride attendees held up their own signs to block the view of them, while the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office made the point even stronger with its display declaring: “Hate has no place in Ocean County.”
Next Year
Organizers are already planning for a larger turnout next year. Phalon confirmed that the 8th Annual Toms River Pride Festival will return to its June slot, set for Saturday, June 13, 2026.
“We want Pride back where it belongs, in June, celebrating alongside the national movement,” Phalon said. “This way, if there’s another rain delay, it won’t bump into Father’s Day. And we’re also working toward the bigger dream of an Ocean County Pride organization, uniting events from Barnegat, Seaside, and Toms River under one umbrella.”
