In June 2022, we saw Montclair come together to celebrate the first Montclair Pride festival. It was a huge success and we can’t wait for what this year’s event on June 10th, 2023 has in store. Many people + local businesses are planning already – including Out Montclair and Montclair Brewing. These two have teamed up for a special contest where a lucky winner’s design will be featured as the label for the official beer of 2023 Montclair Pride. Submissions are due February 24th, so read on to learn more about the Montclair Brewing + Out Montclair Pride contest.
Some Background
Out Montclair is a nonprofit organization created to raise awareness and provide support and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community of Montclair. Out Montclair is also the organizer of Montclair Pride.
Montclair Brewery is a family-run business that started with a love of brewing really good beer and hosting friends and family. The owners’ African and Caribbean roots are often infused into traditional – and not-so-traditional – beer styles. The result is an eclectic offering and original taste for both craft beer devotees and those new to craft beer. Their mission is to build a stronger community, one beer at a time.
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Montclair Pride is a festival that raises awareness and strengthens ties in our community and among all LGBTQIA+ people and allies in the region. It’s also a community celebration filled with art, culture, food, music, and live performances to uplift LGBTQIA+ people, advocacy, and history. Montclair Pride will also host local talent, special guests and celebrities, and elevate Montclair’s renowned institutions, restaurants, and businesses.
The Montclair Girl was one of the inaugural sponsors of the event in 2022 and we had a blast! It was so great to see neighbors and friends coming out to support the community. There were dozens of performers, hundreds of vendors, and thousands of Montclair residents and visitors enjoying the day.
About the Contest
Montclair Brewery is making a special beer to be the official beer of Montclair Pride, and in partnership with Out Montclair, is hosting a contest to design the label. Sales of this beer will support Out Montclair’s programming, which includes public education, teen support, senior community building, + more. The theme of 2023 Montclair Pride is “Be You. Be Heard”, and local artists are invited to create designs inspired by that theme to be the label of the special brew.
From now until February 24th, artists are welcome to submit their designs through the online portal.
“We’re excited to partner once again with Out Montclair with the new label,” said Denise Ford Sawadogo with Montclair Brewery. “We had a great time last year, the first time we partnered with them. It was a wonderful experience. It allowed us to meet new artists in the community and we look forward to seeing what creativity this year’s prospects will bring us.”
Designs will be judged by a panel from Out Montclair on their interpretation of the theme of Montclair Pride: “Be You. Be Heard.,” as well as artistic merit, visual and commercial appeal, and production feasibility. The winning design will be revealed at a Pride Brew launch party on April 2nd.
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The winning design will be available for sale at various Out Montclair events including the Pride Festival on June 10th, as well as for sale at Montclair Brewery and other local restaurants, bars, and liquor stores throughout town. Sales support Montclair Pride and Out Montclair programming for the region’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies year-round. The design will also be a part of the visuals for the Pride festival.
Andy Kahnke, Creative Director of Out Montclair, said. “The design competition is another way the community can use its voice and vision to embody Pride and celebrate pride, joy, and acceptance for every LGBTQIA+ person and our allies.”
“This collaboration that Marie Cottrell, our Pride Director, leads is really special because of its many parts,” Peter Yacobellis, Montclair Town Councilman and Executive Director of Out Montclair, said. “From activating the artistic community in the area to having a dedicated event at the Brewery, to then carrying the Pride beer with the winning label into our biggest events which enhances their brand awareness as a Montclair business with the regional LGBTQ+ community and generates some revenue to help pay for the events. With Denise and Leo, it’s a wonderful, symbiotic relationship with an amazing small business — it’s a dream partnership and I’m really happy to see us all back together doing it again this year.”
