Bellingham PrideFest Slated for June 29th
More than 800 people showed up at PrideFest last year, and here are five of them (from left, Jennifer Altomonte, Bernadette Rivard, Josie Dutil, Terri Graham, and Sue Grady). It will be held at the Town Common (again this year) on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
By David Dunbar
PrideFest will return for a second year at the Town Common in Bellingham on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. In its debut last year, more than 800 people attended and enjoyed the works of some 60 vendors.
“We’ve already passed last year’s vendor numbers,” explains PrideFest Planning Committee chair Josie Dutil. More than 80 vendors and sponsors have already signed up.
“This family-friendly event,” says Dutil, who is also Executive Director of the Senior Center, “will feature artisans, crafters, vendors, fresh food, information, and activities. We’re hoping to bring together different generations of the LGBTQ+ community and friends of the community.”
“I’m very excited about year two of PrideFest,” says State Representative Mike Soter. “It’s great to see this event growing bigger and better. I’m thrilled to be a sponsor again, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at PrideFest.”
Last year at PrideFest, Gertrude Fowler displayed and sold books that she had made into purses. “It was fun,” she smiles. Fowler, 81, has sold items at other fairs for years, “but PrideFest has a much better process for vendors… there was a huge amount of help… it was a very good experience.”
“I didn’t know what to expect,” recalls Eva Gamache of the Bellingham Elder Service Group, “when I arrived at the Town Common last year.” But the people were “all very friendly… it was a great day… and I’m looking forward to this year’s event.”
“There are few things in life that bring various generations together like the overwhelming desire for equal human rights,” says Dutil. “This effort has brought together high school students, elders of the LGBTQ+ community and allies like nothing else I’ve witnessed at the Senior Center.”
Some of the things you can see/buy include handmade greeting cards, unique jewelry, painted beach stones, sewn and crocheted items, art and photography, antiques, pine needle baskets, and caricature portraits. Oh, and Brew Biscuits.
Branch manager Niki Barrett, of sponsor Middlesex Savings Bank, is thrilled to be a part of the event, noting, “We understand the importance of empowering and enriching the lives in our community. Through events like PrideFest, we’re committed to fostering inclusivity, promoting well-being, and creating a vibrant, supportive environment for members in our communities.”
Paola Echeverry, a former Outreach Coordinator for the Senior Center, shares her daughter’s account of her time at PrideFest last year,”My daughter was running around the town common, enjoying the food and crafts booths, riding the kids’ train, and running through the maze of people gathering for the day. I see her joy and wisdom when, after answering her question about the reasons behind the event, she just said “Oh ok”, and kept moving at the speed of light, smiling.
Echeverry continues, “Her nonchalant reaction to the richness that comes from differences and the purpose of the celebration of LGBT voices, rights, and courage made a memorable day. By the end of the event, I left with the reassuring feeling that the world my kid will live in has hope, and that this life, despite the pain, is worth it.”
Volunteers are needed for the event. If you can help, please contact Josie Dutil at (508) 966-0398 or email [email protected] Please “like” and follow the PrideFest Facebook page: Be You Bellingham.
