Latest news with #HampshirePrideParadeandFestival
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Where to celebrate Pride Month in western Massachusetts
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – June is around the corner, which means that it is almost the beginning of Pride Month, a time for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate. Hampshire Pride Parade and Festival held in Northampton While Hampshire Pride in Northampton took place at the beginning of May, the majority of Pride celebrations typically take place throughout the month of June. From parades to flag-raising ceremonies, there are a variety of events for western Mass. residents to attend all month long. June 2 – Amherst Pride Flag Raising and Proclamation: Town Hall, 5:30 p.m. June 22 – Amherst Pride Parade and Celebration: Amherst Town Common, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Parade begins at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School. June 1 – 4th Annual Belchertown Pride: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Pride flag raising at Town Hall, followed by march to Town Common. Vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment will be provided throughout the event. June 12 – Chicopee Pride: Szot Park, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment. June 7 – Franklin/Greenfield Pride: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Parade begins on Federal Street and marches to Energy Park. The festival will host musical acts, circus performers, and food trucks. June 2 – Pride Flag Raising: City Hall, 5:00 p.m. June 14 – Holyoke Pride Rainbow Run: Ashley Reservoir, 10:00 a.m. June 21 – Holyoke Pridefest: Veterans Park, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The event will host food and art vendors, as well as performers. June 14: Lee Pride Festival: The Pride Market will be open on Park Place from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., a Family Friendly Drag Show and Dance Party will take place at the Starving Artist Cafe. The cafe will host an adults-only (18+) Drag Show and Dance Party at 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. June 20 – North Adams Pride Night: Main Street, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Features a variety of local entertainers for an unforgettable night in the Berkshires. June 1 – Rainbow Run 5k: Ashuwillcook Rail Trail, 9:00 a.m. June 7 – Berkshire Pride: Pittsfield Common, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The parade is marching on North Street for the first time this year. Those in attendance can enjoy food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment. June 5 – The YOU Ball Fundraising Gala: MGM Springfield ARIA Ballroom, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. This annual event supports the work of the Springfield Pride Parade Organization, especially the Safe Space After School Program. June 7 – Springfield Pride Parade and Block Party: Stearns Square, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Springfield Partners for Community Action Director honored at retirement party
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – People in Springfield recognized the selfless work of one man who has dedicated his life to helping others. Paul Bailey has led Springfield Partners for Community Action for nearly 25 years and is retiring this year. He said he enjoyed every moment of service and hopes to continue helping others. Hampshire Pride Parade and Festival held in Northampton Springfield Partners for Community Action hosted a retirement part for its former executive director on Saturday, hoping that shining a light on Bailey's service will inspire others. 'I would do my duty and upon leaving, people would say goodbye, and that would be it,' Bailey said. 'I'm really surprised that when they said they were going to have this function, and I'm really happy about it.' Under Bailey's leadership, the nonprofit has raised more than $4 million. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his staff helped several people in the community, distributing over $185,000 to help those pay utility bills, rent, mortgages, and food. 'It's time for a celebration,' said Springfield Partners Board President Robert Jackson. 'I think we're all in agreement that he's done great for our community.' 'A celebration of a job well done, and he's leaving a work that can continue on,' said board member James Rhodes. 'He's laid the groundwork.' To date, Springfield Partners offers several programs, including financial literacy, support for first-time homebuyers, and support for veterans. 'I'd like to thank my staff in particular, because they were the ones that were motivated and ready to answer the calls, and they did it with great joy and accomplishment,' Bailey said. Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hampshire Pride Parade and Festival held in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The city of Northampton celebrated Pride early this first Pride march in Northampton began in 1982. After not having an event since before the COVID-19 pandemic, three people felt the calling to bring it back in 2023, calling it the Hampshire Pride Parade and Festival. Hundreds attend 'Walk MS: Longmeadow' to raise funds and awareness Hampshire Pride is committed to creating a space where people of all genders, races, and ages can come together in a day of joy. But in recent years, there have been political attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. That's when members of Northampton Resists stepped in to host rallies against the current administration. 'When Trump was inaugurated, I couldn't sleep, I just wanted to do something,' said Mary Wang-Boucher, member of Northampton Resists. 'And Carla and I and a couple of other people pulled together a rally in front of City Hall in like four days. And then we did another one with Senator Markey, and it was like 800 people, and we did another one a couple weeks ago, and we were asked to do this one.' As the marchers filled Sheldon Field, they made their way to Route 9 and Main Street's downtown area. The parade dispersed at the end of Crafts Avenue into a festival with vendors alongside a stage with activists and drag performers. Many people said they see this year's celebration as a way to be more intentional in coming together as one. 'I just really needed something positive in my life right now,' said Chris Baxter of Amherst. 'You know, it's springtime, and I just want to be around joyous people.' The Western Massachusetts chapter of Parasol Patrol was there to make sure everyone was enjoying the day. 'We use our rainbow umbrellas to make sure people are seeing love and colors and rainbows and not hate,' said Ali Wicks-Lim, organizer of the Parasol Patrol. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
