Welcome to the Fingerlakes Pagan Pride 2006 website. This is the main source for news and information regarding the Fingerlakes Pagan Pride Day 2006 event. This Pagan Pride event is held along with many others all around the world. Our aim is to raise awareness of Paganism and dispel misinformation regarding Paganism. We endeavor to bring together the Fingerlakes community to celebrate and learn about Paganism. Pagan and non-Pagans are welcome to come together as a community and share the Pagan experience. We also aim to provide support for the community through a food drive to support those in need.
Fingerlakes Pagan Pride represents Neo-Paganism, Wicca, Witchcraft and other Ancient pre-Christian religions. Pagans and Neo-Pagans do not worship or recognize the concept of Satan, the Devil, or an all evil being that is found in the Judeo-Christian traditions. These views will not be represented in any manner, fashion, or form at the Fingerlakes Pagan Pride Festival or fundraisers.
As described in this brochure found on the official Pagan Pride web site "Neo-Paganism - The Divine In All Creation",
"Satan is a figure from the Christian religion. The misconception comes from medieval witch-hunts, which equated the Horned God of the Old Religion with the adversary of the new, and from the sensationalism of popular media."
Public ritual: A public gathering where Pagans can network with each other and celebrate an Autumn Equinox ritual.
Food drive: A food drive, to share our abundant harvest with others in need, and to make a clear statement to those who have misconceptions about Paganism. We know that our ethics, based on concern for ecology, personal responsibility, and individual freedom, mean that we feel strongly called to actions of social responsibility. It is important for us to highlight our similarity to other religions in that regard.
Press releases: Press releases and media coverage of our events in order to present the truth about Paganism to our communities, refute common misconceptions, and draw political attention to Paganism in order to try to prevent legislative discrimination against Pagans.
Other possible activities: Along with these three primary activities, others have chosen to add other events and make the gathering a full festival, with merchant booths, music, book-signings, workshops, and other activities.
The cost of admission is canned food items to support those in the Fingerlakes region who are in need. We also welcome voluntary monetary contributions to support the our benefactor and the community. All contributions made to Fingerlakes Pagan Pride Day will go to the Saint Mary's Social Ministries. It is proof that when the community comes together we can.
From the New York State Thruway I 90 exit 44 the Canandaigua exit, follow route 332 straight until you reach Canandaigua Lake approximately 8 miles keep going straight and follow the signs. Route 332 will run right into and become Lakeshore Drive, which runs right next to Kershaw Park. There is ample parking opposite the park.
The best source for further information and background on the Pagan Pride Project is the Pagan Pride Project web site at http://www.paganpride.org. Here you will find a rich source of information including what other communities have accomplished.