Following the June 25 Pride flag raising at town hall, events honoring the LGBTQ+ community continued on Saturday afternoon on the grounds of Samuel Staples Elementary School with outdoor games, photo ops and live music. The event was scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. but many lingered to hear an extra set by the band, Uncis.
The weekend activities attracted a substantial mix of elected representatives and residents of all ages from Easton and neighboring towns.
Easton Celebrates Pride
Moments of reflection were offered by First Selectman David Bindelglass, Elliot Leonard and Roger Litz, State Rep. Anne Hughes, Elaine O’Keefe and Jillian Celentano.
Bindelglass urged the receptive audience to continue to support of Easton’s embrace of the Pride community and congratulated the organizers of the event. Hughes also lauded Easton’s efforts at inclusion and unity.
Leonard and Litz added personal recollections and urged everyone to live an authentic life. Quoting Oscar Wilde, Litz said, “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.” More information about the Leonard-Litz Foundation is available at: https://leonardlitz.org/
Elaine O’Keefe, Public Health Advisor and Advocate spoke movingly about the 40th anniversary of the first case of AIDS in the United States and led a moment of silence in remembrance.
Author Jillian Celentano spoke about her upcoming book, “Transitioning Later in Life: A Personal Guide'” which will be available on Amazon in August. For more information: https://www.transawareness101.com/
There was lots of live music. Performers throughout the afternoon included: Dan Carlucci, Whendi Cook Broderick & Dan Broderick of Dexter, and Uncis.
For young readers, Easton Public Library Director, Lynn Zaffino assembled a range of Pride friendly books and answered kids’ questions alongside her daughter, Michaela.
The Easton Volunteer Fire Department created a refreshing mini-water park which delighted the youngest celebrants.
Other organizations that participated in the day’s festivities included: The Easton Arts Center, Triangle Community Center, The Leonard-Litz Foundation, Greiser’s Cafe and Market, Balloon Whimzy and Tele Bus.
One of the most popular destinations of the afternoon was the photo booth fashioned for the occasion in front of the Carlucci’s vintage VW Telabus. http://instagram.com/telabus78
Pride Concert on the Hill At Christ Church
Already a popular venue for Sunday night summer musical performances, the Pride concert drew a large multi-generational crowd. Groups of kids frolicked on the church grounds while the packed tent of music lovers and Pride supporters clapped and sang along to the Amber Anchors, Dan Tressler and Jeff Smith. https://eastoncourier.news/2021/06/21/amber-anchor-headlines-upcoming-concert-on-the-hill/
A special appearance by one of Blue Button Farm’s new baby goats, Nutmeg, added a special kick to the proceedings. Holly and Dennis Pryor encouraged the crowd to hold and snuggle Nutmeg and to no one’s surprise there were many takers. The Nutmeg raffle tickets netted both the church and the winner $108 each.
Photos-Easton Pride Planning Committee and Jane Paley
