Ogunquit’s Pride tradition remains strong
Ogunquit Marks Four Decades of Pride with Community Celebration
The coastal town of Ogunquit came alive this weekend with its annual Pride celebration, drawing residents and visitors alike to honor the community's long-standing tradition of inclusion and remembrance.
The festivities began Saturday morning at Veterans Memorial Park, where people of all ages gathered to participate in the traditional flag-raising ceremony. Attendees were invited to help carry an expansive rainbow-striped Pride flag through the streets, joining a procession that wound its way to Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common.
Alice Pearce, executive director of the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce, addressed the crowd as they prepared to transport the flag, calling on volunteers to help carry the colorful fabric.
"This is a lengthy flag," Pearce said. "It's gorgeous."
The parade was just one component of a weekend-long schedule that included drag shows, dance parties, karaoke, a family-friendly beach run, and a gallery exhibition. Twenty-three LGBTQ+-owned vendors set up in the park, while the Ideal Maine Band provided live music and food trucks lined the perimeter.
For many attendees, the event represented both celebration and reflection. State Representative Gerry Runte spoke about the tangible meaning of Pride symbols.
"Rights are not abstractions," Runte said. "They are lived ordinary moments at school and work, in a town meeting, on a beach, walking through the center of town."
The ceremony included a moment of silence honoring Barney Frank, the former U.S. Representative from Massachusetts who became the first openly gay member of Congress. Frank died last month, and several speakers referenced his legacy.
Ogunquit Pride Committee Chair Ron Nasef shared personal reflections during his address.
"I know there's probably a lot of young kids struggling with themselves and their parents not understanding," Nasef said. "As one of those children when I was younger, it's great to have that support."
Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau recounted advice Frank gave him early in his political career, warning that his sexual orientation could be used against him. Fecteau noted that recent polling shows support for same-sex marriage declining nationwide.
"As we celebrate Pride Month, and we do so with this visibility that we see here in downtown Ogunquit, we are saying proudly and loudly to everyone who can see that we will not let progress be rolled back," Fecteau said.
Karenlee Gorman, representing Kennebunk Savings Bank, the parade's title sponsor, read a statement from Governor Janet Mills. The governor's message acknowledged ongoing challenges.
"There are dangerous efforts in Congress and the courts to further roll back the rights of LGBTQ+ people nationwide," Mills wrote. "I say to you now, we cannot, we will not allow that to happen."
Blake Hayes from Maine's Coast 93.1 served as emcee, closing the ceremony with a quote from RuPaul before the march began.
"We're living in a time that has a lot of darkness, but joy itself is a protest," Hayes said.
Entertainer Chi Chi Rones performed "Over the Rainbow" in Judy Garland's style as the flag was raised.
Charlie Farrington has spent his summers in Ogunquit for four decades and lived there for six years. He said Pride is about reconnecting with community.
"It's about meeting up with friends and family," Farrington said while marching with the flag. "It's a great celebration."
Toni Unwin and her wife Gail Monesson traveled from New Mexico to attend for the third consecutive year.
"We come for the ocean, and we come for the Pride," Unwin said.
Ogunquit has celebrated Pride for more than 40 years, establishing itself as a welcoming destination with roots in protest and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The weekend's events concluded Sunday.
