Press Release

Lady Katharine Cruises and the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat are proud to present the first Pride Celebration on the Water in partnership with Middletown Pride.

Since its founding in 1868, the Valley Railroad has been a local pillar of American culture, representing the locomotives that helped to forge our country’s history and bring our nation together. We strongly believe that America is at its core a place of diversity where all are welcome, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexuality, or identity. We are proud as a company to continue supporting diversity and inclusion through our participation in the first annual Middletown Pride Parade.

This special cruise will depart from Harbor Park Landing in Middletown at 8:00 PM on Saturday, June 15. The cruise will last for two hours, followed by a final hour of dockside celebration from 10:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at this link and are $40 in advance or $50 at the door; boarding begins at 7:30 PM.

Our chefs will present a selection of late night finger foods and sweet treats, included in the price of the ticket. A full cash bar will be available; credit cards are accepted.

Top deck entertainment will be provided by DJ Mike Stacy. Mike Stacy is a radio DJ and morning show host on Lite 100.5 WRCH. He covers all music styles with hits from the 1940s to today including R&B, adult contemporary, pop, rock, blues, and more. In addition to providing entertainment, DJ Mike Stacy will give one lucky winner a set of two tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA in Hartford!

The Reformed Wh*res will headline our basement comedy show. If Dolly Parton & Flight of the Conchords got drunk and had a baby, you’d get the hilariously irreverent musical comedy duo Reformed Wh*res! Southern bred, but NYC based, Katy Frame & Marie Cecile Anderson have been featured on IFC, PBS, CBS, and many other three-letter networks. They’ve toured the country opening for the likes of musical parodist “Weird Al” Yankovic, bassist extraordinaire Les Claypool, guitar hero Dweezil Zappa and rockabilly vets Reverend Horton Heat.

About Lady Katharine Cruises

Lady Katharine Cruises was founded on a longstanding tradition of appreciation and respect for the Connecticut River Valley and its rich history. Our flagship vessel, the “Mystique”, has held an unmistakable presence on the Middletown waterfront since 2004. Her size, 113’ long and 29’ wide, and her accommodations offer a unique and comfortable venue for events of all types. She has two fully enclosed, climate controlled dining decks and a magnificent tented observation deck, perfect for special occasions.

The Valley Railroad Company acquired Lady Katharine Cruises in 2017, adding a second vessel to its fleet. Lady Kate has since continued to successfully operate under the same name, hosting a full schedule of public cruises and private events throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.ladykatecruises.com

Follow Lady Katharine Cruises on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ladykatharinecruises

About the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Owned and operated by the Valley Railroad Company, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is a unique historic attraction in the Connecticut River Valley. The railroad has transported people in Connecticut since 1868, and the Valley Railroad Company has operated today’s well-known train and riverboat for over 40 years.

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers excursions through the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley, a place designated as “one of the last great places on earth” by the Nature Conservancy. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester, and the Becky Thatcher riverboat takes visitors past the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park on its way to East Haddam. Various eco-excursions, family outings, and themed events are offered throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.essexsteamtrain.com

Follow the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat on Facebook at www.facebook.com/essexsteamtrain