CARIBOU, Maine — With an array of food and craft vendors, Pride flags and family activities, the first Pride Festival, held on Saturday at Spruce Haven, was both similar to and unlike any summer festival Aroostook County has ever seen.
Upbeat pop music played on portable speakers as people from the local LGBTQ community and allies mingled and enjoyed each other’s company. Around 20 vendors sold artwork, food, tie-dye and Pride-themed shirts and promoted organizations and support resources for LGBTQ youth.
Hosted by Pride Aroostook, which formed in 2018, the Pride Festival is an event that organizers hope becomes a larger tradition in the coming years. The festival’s mission mirrors that of Pride Aroostook, noted committee member Gary Sanfacon, a longtime Caribou resident.
Winn Christnot-Peters (left), Amelia Christnot, Robert-Michael Giordano and Quinn Gormley promote services from the Maine Transgender Network during Pride Festival. (Melissa Lizotte/Aroostook Republican)
“We’re creating a safe and supportive environment for people to be themselves and feel accepted,” Sanfacon said.
The festivities began on Friday with Aroostook County’s first-ever Pride parade, featuring 25 cars traveling from Fort Kent and 16 cars coming from Houlton. All vehicles met at Spruce Haven Friday evening and dozens camped there throughout the weekend.
Saturday featured activities such as children’s games, vendors, hikes, a community dinner, bonfires, karaoke and drag performances. Cory Tilley, Pride Aroostook committee member, said that at least 200 people had registered for the Saturday evening dinner.
“Overall, most of the responses from the community have been positive,” Tilley said. “It means that people have been wanting something like this in Aroostook County.”
Among those from the LGBTQ community who attended, many spoke about finally having an event where they could feel fully accepted and welcomed.
Tattoo artist Andrea Chasse (left) draws a tattoo on Hope Danielle’s left arm during the Pride Festival on Saturday. (Melissa Lizotte/Aroostook Republican)
Brandon Adams of Caribou said that the often conservative culture of Aroostook County made it difficult for him to come out as gay to his family.
“It’s hard for some people to be themselves in Aroostook County. I had a small group of friends, but once I got involved with Pride Aroostook I had nothing but family,” Adams said.
Recent Presque Isle High School graduate Signey Johnston and her friend Cyra Truncale said they did not hesitate to attend the Pride Festival after learning about the event just days before.
“It’s the one place where we know we can be ourselves,” Truncale said.
Ericka Weatherbee (left) and her daughter Evie Weatherbee chat with Rose Otalora, who was selling homemade lip balm, lotion and other products during the first Pride Festival on Saturday. (Melissa Lizotte/Aroostook Republican)
This year’s Pride Festival theme was “We Are Family,” and organizers hoped that those who attended felt a sense of unity despite the differing experiences that make up people’s lives in Aroostook County.
Pride Aroostook hopes to make the June 2022 parade and festival even more successful. With the theme of “Welcome Home,” they will encourage members of the LGBTQ community to revisit their childhood home and perhaps consider staying to forge new connections.
“Growing up in Aroostook County, we always hear about how important family is,” Tilley said. “Let’s bring our family back.”
A Pride flag waves in the wind during the first Pride Festival at Spruce Haven. (Melissa Lizotte/Aroostook Republican)
