By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Rain could not stop the celebration, especially at Bellforge Pride. Vendors set up under tents to welcome attendees from the rain. There was no shortage of celebration regardless of the weather. Medfield held its second Pride event at the Bellforge Arts Center, where countless people gathered on the grass outside Lee Chapel to celebrate Pride Month with music, dancing, vendors, and more.
The festivities started at noon and picked up around 2 p.m. as the rain cleared. Several local LGBTQIA+ groups gathered to share their missions and enjoy the party. Members of the Medfield Public Library’s teen advisory board offered face painting and button making, the Zullo Art Gallery provided a watercolor art project, and OUT MetroWest offered educational programs for people of all ages.
Live music from local musicians played throughout the day. Sets were performed by Bimbo Brat, with a hyper-pop dance club sound; Velvet Dreaming, with indie rock; DJ sets by All 4 U Boston, Boston's queer pop party; and the Providence Drum Troupe, which finished the afternoon with their infectious big band fun. As the sun came out and the grass dried, it quickly became a massive dance floor for everyone.
This family-friendly event ensured that everyone felt loved throughout the entire day. Strangers quickly became friends, and friends became family as groups mixed and mingled. People felt encouraged to express themselves in all ways, leading to some amazing outfits and makeup looks. Pride events show just how vast the LGBTQIA+ community is, even in smaller towns like Medfield.
The Bellforge Arts Center made everyone feel welcome during Pride and has everyone looking forward to next year's event. No matter the weather or month, there is a place for everyone at Bellforge. The entire day was filled with love and laughter, making it clear that everyone has a home in Medfield and that they are all loved regardless of who they are.
