Celebrate Pride

Despite the heat and humidity, then thunder, lightening and drenching rain, our Celebrate Pride event led by Small Town Pride – CT was wonderful! We gathered as a community in the center of Hebron on Friday June 21st.

A panel of young people who grew up in Hebron shared thoughtful and personal experiences – both painful and joyful. They talked about the challenges they faced and the joys of living and being accepted as they are. We are so grateful to each of them and to our moderator, Lindsey Pasquale. Ronald Kolanowski, pastor of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Hebron, shared opening remarks, reminding us about the history of the LGBTQ community and sharing his own personal experiences being married to his husband Art for over 40 years.

We also enjoyed the beautiful music of Nicole Lotko – thank you!

Shout out to Nickie and Grace Collins for starting Small Town Pride and for all their work to put on an event full of kindness and positivity… and for helping us all learn and grow.

Thanks also to all of the vendors who joined us (see list below), to the American Legion and the Dooryard (part of The Flour Girl’s cafe, bakery and dining room complex) for allowing us to use their spaces. And thanks to the volunteers and donors for making the event possible!  Thanks to The Town Center Project, which had another event in town at the  same time (Make Music Day), who graciously helped promote this event.

And mostly, thanks to everyone from the community who came out with loving hearts and open minds to listen, learn and support the panelists and the vendors. We are grateful beyond words!

It was a very special night!!

Vendors included: 

Gilead Congregational Church
PFLAG Tolland-Mansfield
Lisa Day-Lewis Travel
Style, Craft, and Soul Karen Wanat
Wax & Wane Soy Wax Melts
Paint Auras
United Brethren of Hebron
Follow The Queen Yard Cards
Over AndOver CT
The Mad Crafterz
Elainenthesun
Rural Heritage Arts School