Hallowell Pride Alliance plans to hold this year’s parade and festival on Saturday, June 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at Granite City Park, 94 Water St.

The celebration will feature musical performers Random Ideas and Super Cat. The parade starts at 2 p.m. down Water Street.

Applications for parade participation can be found on the HPA Facebook page or by emailing hallowellpridefest@gmail.com.

Maureen AuCoin marches front and center during the 2022 PrideFest parade and festival. Jeff Wood photo

This year’s Pride theme is “This is ME!” It is intended to spark a celebration of the diversity of people and identities among the LGBTQ+ community and across Maine. Organizers encourage participants to bring their most vibrant version of themselves to Hallowell, according to a news release from Alex AuCoin, event organizer and HPA president.

“Maine is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people. This year we want to see all that diversity in living color in our parade and in our downtown,” AuCoin said. “For some participants, the theme might elicit a costume celebrating a non-gender conforming identity, honoring one’s nationality or cultural heritage, or simply showcasing that unique individual in their favorite fancy attire.”

In planning this year’s event, HPA stuck with the first weekend in June to be the first organization in the state to kick off Pride Month.

“I’m so excited to have this event here in Hallowell. We have a long history of being accepting of all people, and the Pride celebration continues that tradition. We want everyone of all ages and all identities to feel safe and welcomed here,” said Maureen AuCoin, City Council president and HPA board member.

“As a business owner, Pride is an extra super duper self-confidence boost for many in a community that already supports and protects its LGBTQ+ community. It is a perfect day honoring those who were here before us fighting diligently for our rights and to educate those among us who may not understand our community,” said Bruce Mayo, owner of Easy Street Lounge.

For more information, or to volunteer or participate, follow Hallowell Pride Alliance on Facebook or Instagram or email hallowellpridefest@gmail.com.

Check out other upcoming area events!