WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — In Wilkes-Barre, there was a different kind of festival as colorful booths, handmade goods, and live music were all part of the Third Annual NEPA Pagan Pride Day Festival.
People of all ages turned out for the festival, browsing more than 30 vendors, taking part in workshops, and learning all about Paganism.
Admission was a donation to the Bread Basket of NEPA, which supports seven food pantries across the region.
Picking up the pieces after shooting leaves one woman dead
"I feel like Paganism is very underrepresented, especially in the political community environment, climate. Pagans need to have an outlet, Pagans need to be understood more, I think Paganism is very misunderstood, and we need to be seen as regular people as well," Christine Dempsey from Hudson Valley, New York, told 28/22 News.
Organizers say the first festival raised more than 600 pounds of food, and they hope to build on that success this year, all while giving the community a space to celebrate diversity in spirituality.
