By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The crazy mix of weather alternating between sun and rain did not stop the Bellforge from hosting their first annual Pride event this past Saturday, June 10th. This joyful celebration was in partnership with ONCE Somerville and honored the equality, visibility, and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community members and allies.
Throughout the day, live music was performed by multiple artists including DJ Radjoy, Jobie, Patty Bourree, Phantom Ocean, Happy Little Clouds, and Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys. While listening to music, one could also enjoy a drink from their bar or food from one of the food trucks in attendance.
Everyone who came was warmly welcomed by smiling faces and all the pride gear one could think of. Rainbow colors could be seen throughout the event and every booth set up was decked out with pride. Some of these booths included the Medfield Public Library, Medfield Together, and Medfield TV Community Shows.
Bellforge Board Member, Bob Tormey, was one of the smiling faces that greeted those who first walked in. In regards to this event, Tormey mentioned, “It’s mostly just a time to enjoy and celebrate diversity and amazing talents. We are also trying to showcase the Bellforge, introduce people, make this kind of a home and a welcoming place for everybody.”
Also in attendance was a very special guest, Michael Bobbitt, who is the executive director of the Mass Cultural Council. On top of being the executive director, he also is a theater director, choreographer, playwright, and the highest-ranking cultural official in Massachusetts. Under Bobbitt’s tenure, the Mass Cultural Council distributed 60 million dollars in pandemic relief to individual artists and arts organizations, including the Bellforge Arts Center.
Bobbitt was absolutely thrilled to be at this Pride event, stating, “I am so excited to be back here in Medfield and seeing you all together. And on this historic day, the first annual Medfield LGBTQ+ Pride Day, congratulations on that. I am your black and gay Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council. … And I am really excited about the Bellforge Arts Center. I can’t wait to see it all open and to come back here. Arts and culture is a social justice tool so make sure you use it as much as you can. Right now, LGTBQ+ people are under attack and we need to do everything we can to fight it, and arts and culture is one of the ways.”
For more information about upcoming events at the Bellforge Arts Center, please visit their website at www.bellforge.org.
