Scores Join Relaxed Pride Celebration on the Common

The First Parish in Bedford had one of the many booths during Sunday’s Third Annual Bedford Pride Celebration. Photo by Mike Rosenberg

The sun emerged on the Bedford Town Common shortly after 2 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, reflecting off a dazzling rainbow array that defined the annual Pride Month celebration.

Sunday’s event was sponsored by the Parents Diversity Council and Bedford Youth and Family Services.

A theme of acclaiming differences enveloped the low-key, relaxed format that attracted scores of visitors, many of them too young to vote, over a two-hour span.

The Bedford Pride Celebration included a visit from the Non-Binosaur Phoenix and friends. Photo by Mike Rosenberg

More than a dozen tented booths, brightly decorated, lined the Common’s main diagonal walkway. The Congregational, Episcopal, and Unitarian churches were represented, along with town agencies – the Library and Youth and Family Services. President Phil Sisson visited the Middlesex Community College table.

Soap bubbles wafted from the Bedford Family Connection booth as kids and adults collected Pride bracelets, chose temporary tattoos, and fashioned handmade signs reflecting the theme. “You Are What You Think You Are” was one example (derived from a renowned assessment by professional football coach Bill Parcells). “Love Knows No Gender” was also a popular choice.

The JGMS Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), now in its 14^th year, was a popular destination with more than 15 young volunteers offering everything from refreshments and face painting to raffle prizes. The Bedford Education Association had plenty of pencils to give away – the number two lead was encased in a rainbow-colored décor.

Event highlights were a community art project open to any contributors, and a guest appearance by the costumed Phoenix the Non-Binosaur, this year accompanied by Kaleidoscope the Unicorn.