Hallowell will celebrate the history and diversity of the LGBTQA community with its first Gay Pride Event June 22-24.

Festivities will include a city-wide Merchants’ Window Decorating Contest, music events at various bars and pubs, a “Most Festive Dressed” competition, a night of karoake and cabaret sing along, a Sunday brunch and dance party.

There also will be an educational event Saturday, June 23, at the Vallee Real Estate Office, presented by Victor Trepanier, recipient of the 2018 Equality Maine’s Young Leaders Award. For a schedule of events, visit Hallowell.org or on Facebook at Hallowell Pride 2018.

Residents are invited to join the festivities by displaying a rainbow flag at their homes and places of business and by decorating windows with other symbols of support for the LGBTQA community. Business owners are encouraged to join the Merchants’ Decorating Contest by placing creative and festive displays in their store windows. Judging will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 24. Restaurants, bars and pubs are encouraged to create special menu items and even drinks to support the event.

Those wishing to host a special event during the weekend can add their event to the calendar by contacting April Fenton at afenton122562@gmail.com.

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