Bellows Falls Pride 2024
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click above to download the press release PDF
April 7, 2024
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Bellows Falls Pride Announces 2024 Event Calendar
(BELLOWS FALLS VT) Film, trains and music offerings characterize the events planned by Bellows Falls Pride from June-October to recognize and support the LGBTQ+ community in southern Vermont. Bellows Falls will once more become a destination for the LGBTQ+ community in New England and beyond echoing the days of the historic Andrews Inn, which supported the gay community and was in business from 1973-1984, located in the Windham Hotel building.
As usual, event locations will occur in walkable downtown Bellows Falls so patrons can enjoy the full dining and shopping experience before and after events. June kicks off with the LGBTQ+ film festival at the Opera House located on the Square. Tickets and event details will become available online at https://www.bellowsfallsoperahouse.com/.
Wednesday, 6/5 The Birdcage, sponsored by Bellows Falls Pride
Wednesday, 6/12 Philadelphia, sponsored by Windham Antiques
Wednesday, 6/19 To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, sponsored by Wunderbar
Wednesday, 6/26 Hairspray (original John Waters), sponsored by the National LGBT Hotline
The Train Ride for Pride Whistlestop Tour, coordinated with the Vermonter Amtrak schedule from Essex to Bellows Falls, will occur on Saturday, June 8 beginning at 7:30am and concluding in Brattleboro at 1pm.
On Thursday, June 20 Bellows Falls Pride will collaborate with Senior Solutions to host author and blogger, Mark S. King at the Bellows Falls Opera House with a presentation entitled, Coming of Age with Grace and Grit. His latest book, My Fabulous Disease, will be available for purchase in the lobby through Village Square Booksellers following the event. This event is free and open to the public.
The month will conclude with an Andrews Inn Disco Dance Party at Ciao Popolo on Saturday, June 29.
Mark your calendars for a Family Fest on August 10, a Stage 33 show with Canadian singer/
songwriter mega-talent Taylor Abrahamse on September 6, and a National Coming Out Day/Get Out the Vote program on October 9 sponsored by Keller Williams Realty at the Bellows Falls Opera House, with speakers Fred Karger, first openly gay 2012 Presidential candidate and documentary producer Aimee Flaherty whose 2023 award-winning film, Commitment to Life, will be shown following speakers.
Details to follow on Bellows Falls Pride Facebook page and website, www.bellowsfallspride.com.
https://www.seniorsolutionsvt.org/
https://www.windhamantiquecentervermont.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPgtIcS67k Commitment to Life trailer
For information about the Andrews Inn: https://www.weareoutintheopen.org/aiohp
For the Andrews Inn podcast, Identity: www.thesecretlifeofdeath.com
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click above to download the press release PDF
PRIDE Comes to Bellows Falls - JUNE 2023
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(Bellows Falls VT) Throughout the month of June, Bellows Falls will once more become a destination for the LGBTQ+ community in New England and beyond. Echoing the days of the historic Andrews Inn, which was in business from 1973-1984 and located in the downtown Windham Hotel building, the gay community sought out the town as a place of safety and security. Patrons would travel by train to the only LGBTQ+ friendly destination in the state for a weekend of dancing and house parties. Described in 1979 as a “cultural cross between Mayberry and Fire Island,” the Andrews Inn had 56 rooms to rent, a bar, jukebox disco and coffee shop. It was owned by the locally revered Moisis family, whose son, John, had the initial vision which would go on to save the family business.
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Although the town was hesitant at first, once visiting guests began to spend money on antiques, clothing, furniture and memorabilia, the economic impact was recognized. Policemen even began to provide visitors with rides from the train station to the Inn. These patrons were recognized as being good for the economy, men and women who enjoyed a respite from an often harsh world.
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Activities will include something for everyone. Classic Film Wednesdays feature LGBTQ+ themed films at the historic Opera House, with the largest screen in the region and where tickets still cost only $6. Merchants will participate with special window displays, giveaways and staying open late on Wednesdays for your shopping pleasure. Enjoy Pride Pastries and Rainbow Cold Brew at Rockingham Roasters before each film. Gather at Wunderbar for dinner, drinks and discussion. Visit The Field Center for a Queer T-Dance on June 17. Celebrate at the free community dance on June 30 at the Moose Lodge, with DJ Wade the Great. And be sure to pick up your commemorative postcards and buttons at Windham Antiques.
Of special note is the PRIDE Whistlestop Tour on Sunday, June 11, which is also national Making Life Beautiful Day. From St. Albans t0 Brattleboro, LGBTQ+ organizations, individuals and allies will appear at each of the ten Amtrak Vermonter train stations to show support and love for the LGBTQ+ community, under siege across the country, by taking a moment to make our Vermont communities more beautiful. (To stay in Bellows Falls for the afternoon, purchase Amtrak Vermonter tickets in advance.)
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Sponsors include the LGBT Hotline, Windham Antiques, Wunderbar, Pete’s Farmstand, Fuzzy Brothers Construction, Rockingham Roasters, Rockingham Arts and Museum Project, Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance, The Field Center, Moose Lodge, Wade the Great DJ, Canal Street Gallery, The Secret Life of Death, and Ezra Veitch.
As events are added they will be posted on the website and social media. For more information, visit bellowsfallspride.com, bellowsfallspride@gmail.com,
#TrainRideForPride
#BellowsFallsPride
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www.bellowsfallsoperahouse.com
For more information about the Andrews Inn: https://www.weareoutintheopen.org/aiohp