Joyous, festive, celebratory, affirming and welcoming describe Ridgefield CT’s 5th annual Pride in the Park celebration, which took place this past Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Ballard Park in Ridgefield CT. In its 5th year, this family-friendly Pride celebration has grown in popularity every year since it began in 2019. “Ridgefield Pride in the Park celebrates our LGBTQ+ community and affirms Ridgefield’s reputation as a welcoming community.” said Ridgefield CT Pride founder and Chairperson Alisa Trachtenberg.
The event attracts supporters from Ridgefield and beyond. Ashley and Christina Witwer-Contino and their toddler Aurelia, from Bedford Hills joined other families under a big old tree to enjoy the Ridgefield Library’s interactive Rainbow Family Storytime. “We came here last year and it was such a lovely event that we decided to come again. Such a lovely event for our family”. Tommy Drago and Angie Piedra came to Ridgefield to celebrate Pride. It was Piedra’s first time here and Drago’s third year in a row. Drago commented, “I love coming because it is comforting and accepting.”
The Park was buzzing with smiles and a multitude of exhibitors and activities including face painting, balloon animals, button making, beading, crafts, lawn games and live music. School of Rock ran the live stage for the first time this year and the music was phenomenal! Kai Fozouni opened the day followed by the Ridgefield Chorale, celebrating their silver anniversary. The School of Rock House Band played a happy and lively 3rd set and had pride-goers singing along and dancing.
This year, Pride in the Park featured 100+ participating businesses, a number that has quadrupled since 2019. “Pride is a wonderful celebration in our community and a reminder that we hope everyone feels they belong in our community. It is touching to see how this has grown over the years and we are thrilled to be a sponsor.” said Rabbi Reiner or Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties.
Adam Broderick Salon and Spa, a Premier Sponsor of the Pride in the Park since its inception, again mesmerized attendees with their Hair Flair Station, where crowds lined up to add some sparkle to their hair or flair to their make-up. Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties and Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe have likewise shown unwavering support for Ridgefield Pride in the Park since the beginning. Deborah Ann’s is again serving up its delicious and festive Pride ice cream during the entire month of June. Tasty Pride promotions and treats across Ridgefield include a special at Dimitri’s Diner on June 1st, Planet Pizza on June 5th, rainbow bagels and Pride baked goods throughout the month from The Cake Box, Ross Bread, Queen B, Ridgefield Bagels & Bakes, Stacey’s Totally Baked. Ridgefield Parks and Recreation, The Toy Chest and Nod Hill Brewery are also running Pride promotions. All the info can be found at www.ridgefieldctpride.com.
In terms of exhibitors, there were many of the same friendly faces as last year including a number of local nonprofits and local staples including The Ridgefield Library, The Ridgefield Youth Commission, The Ridgefield Playhouse, Woodcock Nature Center, The Center for Empowerment and Education, St. Stephen’s, St. Andrews, Jesse Lee and many more. The Ridgefield Historical Society which is partnering with Ridgefield CT Pride on the Ridgefield Oral History Project to document and preserve LGBTQIA+ stories was also at the park doing a “StoryCorps” type of activity. Some new additions this year included the Ridgefield Arts Council, the Annie C. Courtney Foundation that is actively seeking LGBTQ+ families to be foster or adoptive parents. The Ridgefield Youth Services Bureau and Wooster school which has been partnering with Ridgefield CT Pride for several years to help support the Greater Danbury LGBTQ+ community.
At 1pm event goers gathered around the gazebo to hear remarks by Emmett Joyce, founder of the ERMS GSA, event organizers Alisa Trachtenberg and Mary Joyce and elected officials: State Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo, State Senators Ceci Maher and Julie Kushner as well as Selectperson Barbara Manners. Berger-Girvalo’s speech was passionate and powerful, as she emphasized the need to avoid falling into the trap of believing and repeating anti-trans talking points. Both Manners and Berger-Girvalo had a clear message: don’t be a bystander, stand up, speak out for equality and equal treatment of all. When asked about her comments, Berger-Girvalo added, "Trans people don't transition for an athletic advantage - they do it to be true to who they are. We don't talk about any of the other perceived advantages that some athletes have, whether height, lung capacity or coordination, but because of the political culture war waged against this very small population some folks have really dug in on this issue. And we haven't even begun to discuss the sexist nature of only calling out trans athletes who compete in girls and women's leagues. This is not about the defense of women's sports - that's a completely dishonest characterization of plain old hate and fear." Percy Davis who had a group of friends visiting from college said, “Very nice to see everybody. I liked all the speeches.” Following the speeches was a colorful and festive march around the park. All in all, it was a perfect day!
Ridgefield CT Pride is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was created in 2019 under the umbrella of the Friends of Ridgefield Community Programs. Ridgefield CT Pride offers both periodic and ongoing support to the community through a variety of initiatives.
Their mission is to foster a sense of belonging for our LGBTQ+ community members and their families by educating, promoting awareness and understanding, increasing visibility, and celebrating our LGBTQ+ community members.
Support Groups and Social Groups
Ridgefield CT Pride offers free monthly peer-led support groups and social groups. This year they launched a monthly pot-luck Game Night for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, as well as a monthly LGBTQ+ youth group in partnership with Kids in Crisis Lighthouse with the support of the Ridgefield Youth Commission and the Teen Barn. They also organize periodic meet-ups in partnership with Wooster School for LGBTQ+ youth, and separate groups for LGBTQ+ adults and Caregivers to provide opportunities for in-person socialization and support in a safe environment. Both their Caregiver Support Group for caregivers, friends and family of LGBTQ+ individuals and our separate LGBTQ+ Youth Support Group meet monthly over zoom.
Outreach, Education, Advocacy & Celebrating our LGBTQ+ Community
As part of their outreach efforts they run an annual Pride in the Park event which attracts over 500 attendees. In addition, they have organized several Progress Pride Flag Raising ceremonies, painted a Progress Pride Crosswalk in a prominent town location, and hang 8 large banners annually on town lampposts on Main Street and Danbury Road (Rt 35) as part of the Ridgefield Arts Council Lamppost Banner Project, all of which help raise visibility and send a message that Ridgefield sees and cares about our LGBTQ+ community.
“All Are Welcome” is a new initiative for businesses and organizations which will provide training and support about inclusive business practices and offer a safe-space decal to businesses which sign a statement of support. They also hope to offer an optional component which would help companies conduct self-evaluations and implement institutional changes.
The Ridgefield Oral History Project is a partnership between Ridgefield CT Pride and the Ridgefield Historical Society. The goals of the Oral History Project are to record, preserve, and share Ridgefield LGBTQIA+ stories, which are underrepresented in the Ridgefield Historical Society’s collection; to foster intergenerational conversation; and increase civic pride and awareness.
On June 2nd, thanks to ACT of CT’s First Act Audience Access Initiative, Ridgefield CT Pride was able to attend a special performance of “Kinky Boots” enabling student and individuals who have not had the opportunity to experience live theater the chance to attend a professional production and participate in a Q&A with leaders from ACT of CT.
Finally, Ridgefield CT Pride fields numerous calls, advocates for all-gender signage, as well as inclusive policies and practices in town buildings and organizations in an effort to improve the climate for the queer community.
If you are interested in finding out more about Ridgefield CT Pride, their events, programs and resources, donating, volunteering or to get on their mailing list go to www.ridgefieldctpride.com.