SWAMPSCOTT — Rainbow flags, live music, sunshine, and the spirit of inclusion filled the Town Hall lawn on Saturday as residents gathered for Swampscott’s annual Town Pride celebration.
The festivities kicked off with a 5K race at 4 p.m. and continued into the evening with live entertainment, local vendors, community organizations, activities, and refreshments.
Tony Leone, program director for the North Shore Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (NAGLY), hosted a table at the event to share resources and connect with residents. Leone said events like Town Pride help create visibility and foster a sense of community.
“It’s basically just about visibility, representation … and just being here to celebrate,” Leone said. “Queer joy is so important, and something that’s needed now more than ever. We know there’s a lot of things going on in the world, but being able to come together for a sense of unity and togetherness is crucial.”
Throughout the evening, attendees wandered between vendor tents, children lined up for face painting, and flags and rainbow costumes could be seen around the lawn as residents gathered to celebrate Pride Month.
Volunteers from S.U.R.E. Diversity passed out free cookies and rainbow sherbet donated by Market Basket, Periwinkle’s Food Shoppe, Pomona Café, Shubie’s, Stop & Shop, and Sweet Java.
Across the lawn, Evan Dooley, co-owner of Pub & Cloth in Salem, sold rainbow shirts and pride-themed tote bags. Dooley said maintaining a visible presence at pride events remains important.
“Our biggest thing is, you know, everybody’s pulling back on pride,” he said. “And we’re not. We’re not going back and we’re not going to compromise that, because people need to be seen.”
Bethany Andres-Beck, a candidate for Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District seat, attended the celebration and said events like Town Pride send an important message to young people about belonging and acceptance.
“I think about all of the kids here today, and whether they end up being gay, straight, bi,” Andres-Beck said. “They get to see that no matter what they are, their community loves them and welcomes them.”
Students from the Swampscott Middle School and High School Gay-Straight Alliances played a prominent role in the event, operating the face-painting station and taking the stage to discuss issues affecting LGBTQ+ youth.
Megan Ramirez, who serves as faculty advisor for the high school GSA, said it was rewarding to see students take ownership of an event that means so much to them.
“It’s really important to them, and a lot goes into it,” Ramirez said. “More diversity is always important, especially now.”
Ramirez also sold hand-decorated seashells, with proceeds benefitting the GSA.
Entertainment throughout the evening was emceed by Swampscott High School students Leo Blessman and Camden Tracy. Tracy also performed with his band, Thread the Needle, marking the group’s first public performance.
Residents spread out on blankets and lawn chairs to watch the evening’s lineup of speakers and performers, which included performances by North Shore drag queen Madame Zapple.
Before taking the stage, Madame Zapple reflected on how the event has grown during her years attending.
“This is my third year here, and it’s getting bigger every year,” she told the crowd. “So go Swampscott.”
As the crowd gathered on the Town Hall lawn for another year of music, community, and celebration, Madame Zapple offered a reminder that pride does not end when June is over.
“Pride is 12 months of the year, not just during June,” she said. “So let’s give it up for that.”
