The Monroe County commissioners had mixed opinions about whether or not to allow a Pride flag and American flag to hang over the garage door of the parking deck from May 31 to June 1 for the Pocono Pride Fest 2025.

At the commissioners’ meeting last week, organizers of Pride Fest had requested to hang the Pride flag and the American flag on the door.

They also requested approval to use Courthouse Square, sidewalk, parking deck entrance lot and sheriff’s parking lot for the festival on June 1 only.

Use of the areas for the festival was unanimously approved, but hanging the flags was another story.

Commissioner John Christy said the reason he approved it was because the commissioners have allowed other types of banners and information to be hung there, but haven’t had a flag requested.

“It’s just not a flag in this area, so without having a policy in place I feel that we have to allow it,” Christy said.

Commissioner Sharon Laverdure said, “I do, too. It’s the right thing to do.”

Commissioner David Parker had a different opinion.

“I believe the administration building is the people of Monroe County’s building,” he said. “We have to serve a broad range of constituents with many different beliefs, so I think we should avoid putting it on the administrative building of the county.”

Approval to hang both the Pride flag and the American flag for the festival was given in a 2-1 vote.

The event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on June 1 in Courthouse Square, Stroudsburg.