Pride Fest Returns to Bellingham Town Common June 28th

By David Dunbar

Bellingham Pride Fest will be held on the Town Common, Saturday, June 28, from 11am until 3pm.

“This family-friendly event will feature artisans, crafters, vendors, food trucks, information and activities,” explains Josie Dutil, chair of the Pride Fest planning committee and executive director of the Senior Center.

Last year, 100+ vendors signed up. This year, besides the 80 vendors and sponsors already signed up (at this writing), there will be family-friendly activities that include Mr. Niko, the Bubble Guy; a Trackless Train; story walk; henna; music and other attractions. “We’re hoping to bring together different generations of the LGBTQ+ community and friends of the community,” says Dutil.

“We are excited to have a new gold sponsor this year,” says Dutil, “and it’s the Bellingham American Youth Football and Cheer organization.” Leanne Marino, Secretary of the BAYFC, explains, “We sponsor Pride Fest and other events to be a part of our community and support our community members.  As a community based non-profit organization, we always try to sponsor community events. We plan to have a raffle and interactive booth. Pride Fest has always been a fun day with a great turnout!” 

“Elders in the LGBTQ+ community,” Dutil adds, “have lived a lifetime of shame and trauma. They’ve been on the receiving end of hateful comments. Having the Senior Center be part of the efforts to pull this event together will hopefully help those members of the community feel the love and respect they spent many years only dreaming about. The LGBTQ+ community is indebted to these brave souls who paved the way for younger generations to feel acceptance and love in their communities.” 

At Pride Fest, you will find handmade greeting cards for purchase, unique jewelry, painted beach stones, sewn and crocheted items, art and photography, antiques, pine needle baskets, and caricature portraits.  Sponsors include Dean Bank, Town of Bellingham, Senior Center, State Rep Mike Soter, Jolicoeur Overhead Doors, Synerge Home Care,  Bellingham Democratic Town Committee, Teri’s Child Care, Mendon Local Realty, Bellingham Youth Football and Cheer, New England Cheer and Tumble, Amy Azza, the Genereaux Family, Bellingham Business Association, and MY FM Media will provide music.  Middlesex Savings Bank is the platinum sponsor again this year.

“Our students at Keough Memorial Academy (KMA) are thrilled to be represented at Pride Fest once again this year,” says KMA’s Matthew Doiron. “Our main goal is to foster an inclusive learning environment in which all students regardless of their background can succeed.  We love the idea of taking these goals and sharing them with the Town of Bellingham.” Doiron continues, “Last year, during the event, we enjoyed spending time at each booth, engaging with all attendees, and passing along not only our town pride but school pride as well. This year we are excited to do the same!” 

Participating at Pride Fest is a new endeavor for KMA.  “We participated for the first time at last year’s event,” explains Doiron who is a teacher and leads the effort at the Academy to get students involved in Pride Fest.  “We were impressed by Josie Dutil and her planning committee’s dedication to hosting an amazing event. It was easy to see how successful she was in creating a day full of love, acceptance, tolerance, and above all pride. It was an easy decision to be involved at Pride Fest again for the 2025 date.” 

Like last year, the KMA booth will be offering a free raffle for a mystery prize, candy, informational flyers, and friendly conversation for all those who choose to stop by. 

Visitors will receive a gift when they check in and can participate in a bingo activity for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card donated by the BESG. There will be a shuttle bus for vendors and help setting up and breaking down. “We have room for a few more vendors and are still looking for volunteers,” says Dutil. If you want in, then please call her at (508) 966-0398.

 “And personally,” explains Dutil, “I want to be part of this effort to thank those who travelled before me, making it possible for me to be married to the person of my choice. I want to be part of an event that encourages members of my community that living peacefully with all human beings is possible.”