Hundreds packed Presque Isle’s Riverside Park Saturday for Pride Aroostook’s annual Pride Festival.
People of all ages, kids, dogs and even a cat meandered around the park on a sunny afternoon, as live bands played, rainbow flags waved and calls of “Happy Pride” rang out.
Those attending found food and drink, places to shop and supportive information. But the day was also about social connections and affirmation. For organizers, it was a chance to promote the city as a safe, inclusive space for everyone.
“It’s about awareness and getting the fact that we’re here out, so there’s a safe place for people to join,” said Heather Mazorow, Pride Aroostook board member. “There have been people who’ve come here and felt they had to leave because they weren’t accepted.”
Mazorow works with the organization’s development committee, while board member Gary Sanfacon works with fundraising and youth. Both were pleased with the turnout and grateful for the good weather.
Youth committee members host an annual prom for young people, which has been successful, Sanfacon said.
“Those who don’t feel comfortable at a traditional school dance have an opportunity to come together in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment,” Sanfacon said. “It helps to show them they can stay in Aroostook County and have a good life.”
Hodgdon-based band Circle of Fifths entertained the crowd during the first part of the afternoon. Members are Simon Pritchard, Melanie Sipe Reese, David Carter and John Pasquarelli.
The group plays a variety of music plus some of their own numbers, and is working on a collection of original work through Vibrations Recordings Studio in Hodgdon, Sipe Reese said.
Other bands slated to play were Bangor-area bands I Want My MTV and Big Kings.
More than 25 booths were set up around the Riverside Park Pavilion. Among the nonprofit groups offering information were the Presque Isle Congregational Church, Aroostook County Action Program, Maine TransNet, the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance, The County Community Players and the American Assocation for Suicide Prevention. Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Fort Kent and Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital were also present.
At the Equality Maine booth, representative Izzy Ostrowski was busy describing the organization to festival goers. Based in Portland, the LGBTQ+ group offers programs statewide, including advocacy and legislative policy support for youth and older adults, Ostrowski said.
Other booths featured artisan crafts, jewelry, decor and clothing.
Among the artists was Kristen Chambers of Presque Isle, whose business is named I Am. People are encouraged to finish that statement with positive thoughts, like “I am enough” or “I am powerful,” Chambers said.
The booth featured Chambers’ art on bookmarks, keychains, paintings and more. Chambers likes to focus on art that promotes self-love and dealing with body features like stretch marks, for instance.
“Things that are deemed as imperfections by most people are actually beautiful, and you can accept yourself for who you are,” Chambers said.
The festival concluded with a parade and an after-party at the Northeastland Hotel Saturday evening.
For information about Pride Aroostook, visit the group’s website or find them on Facebook.
Correction: This story has been amended to correct the name of the band Big Kings.
