BARNEGAT – The forecast the night before called for tornadoes. An anonymous social media threat warned of “target practice.” Even the DJ canceled at the last minute. But none of it could stop the very first Barnegat Pride Festival from dazzling the town with color, music, and joy on a patch of grass where the old Edwards School once stood.
By 11:30 a.m. on May 31, Main Street had transformed into a vibrant and inclusive celebration of community spirit. Over 1,000 attendees showed up – many wearing rainbow gear and wide smiles – ready to experience a day full of entertainment, connection, and acceptance.
And as Carrie Diona, president of Barnegat Pride, would later quip: “The first raindrop didn’t fall until 5:03 p.m.” Just three minutes after the official end of the event.
A Festival Of Firsts
Barnegat Pride was more than a street fair – it was a milestone. Founded in March 2024 by Diona, the nonprofit Barnegat Pride group went from a grassroots dream to an organizing powerhouse in just over a year. Their debut festival showcased just how much momentum they’ve built.
The organization’s vice president Robert Robinson proudly proclaimed there was something for everyone. With 76 vendors, 10 food trucks, a DJ fill-in, drag performances, live music, and even a KidZone with a bounce house, it was a day packed with fun. The Barnegat Rotary Club hosted a beer and wine garden, while organizations like the Ocean County Health Department, RWJBarnabas Health, Sea Change and St. Francis Counseling offered vital resources.
Aaron and Eve were one of many musical acts. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
One local church – Waretown United Methodist – used its booth to collect food for a summer children’s lunch program. Members of Toms River’s Christ Episcopal Church showed up with shirts embracing the rainbow flag as part of their community.
A Zumba lesson broke out on the grass. “Free Mom Hugs” were offered with genuine warmth. A rainbow-bundled Italian greyhound turned heads. Even Santa and Buster, the mascot from the BlueClaws baseball team, made appearances.
“Our motto is ‘Unity in our Community – for Barnegat and beyond,’” said Monica Zabroski, who runs Barnegat Pride’s social media. “We’ve never had anything like this in Southern Ocean County. We wanted to build something good and safe. And we did.”
Drag queen Dezi Moonshine was just one of the entertainers who dazzled onstage. One of her costumes was a sequined black bodysuit covered with sparkling rainbow stars. She strutted in mismatched thigh-high boots – one black, one white.
The music was endless featuring Red Bird Flying Solo and performers Aaron and Eve delivering their brand of connected love songs.
For some attendees, the event meant more than fun – it was personal.
A large crowd watches a drag performance. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
“I grew up in a very small conservative town on the eastern shore of Virginia,” said Dezi. “When I moved to Barnegat, I thought that I was moving to a great blue state. I was a little shocked when I found it was not what I expected it to be.”
“That was back in 2019, and I’d made no friends,” Dezi continued. “I made no enemies either because I thankfully kept to myself. It was not until Carrie formed Barnegat Pride and I found there are people here that are queer like me. All of a sudden, I am in a place that has a community.”
Ayla Torres, a Barnegat High School freshman, couldn’t wait to pose with Dezi. Her mother stood nearby, beaming. “She’s always been obsessed with drag queens,” she said. “I’m proud of this town for finally having something like this to make everyone feel included.”
Crystal and Corey Brenman attended the pride festival with their preschool aged daughter, who twirled a rainbow flag in pure innocence.
“I’m so grateful that if my daughter ever feels she needs to come out, she’ll grow up in a world where she doesn’t have to worry about what people think,” Crystal said.
Anita Corcoran said she became active in Barnegat Pride because she has two trans sons. There was no question about acceptance to her. “They’re my sons,” she said. “I love my children.”
Barnegat Pride was a family-friendly fair. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Missing From The Crowd
While the crowd of over 1,000 included families, friends, allies, and advocates, no members of the Barnegat Township governing body appeared to attend – despite open invitations extended by Diona at both the February and May township meetings.
This invitation stood in stark contrast to a moment in 2019, when then-Mayor Alfonso “Al” Cirulli spoke out against LGBTQ-inclusive education laws at a public meeting, calling them “an affront to Almighty God.” At the time, Diona joined others in protest, urging local leadership to separate personal beliefs from public service.
Reached after the Pride event, Cirulli maintained his stance: “I respect our residents and their rights. I don’t hate anyone, but I can’t endorse that lifestyle as a Christian,” he said. “I would help any of them as individuals and I wish them well in their private lives.”
Since its formation just over a year ago, Barnegat Pride has grown into a powerful community force with over 1,000 members and allies. The group has hosted Drag Bingo nights, educational events, and support initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and understanding in a region not always known for progressive leanings.
“Barnegat Pride isn’t just about a single event,” said Diona. “It’s about showing people that they belong, that they matter, and that this town can be a place where love wins.”
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