Pride & JOY all year round please.

On June 7,2025, I had a booth at the Berkshire Pride Festival in Pittsfield,Massachusetts.

On June 20,2025, I had a booth at North Adams Pride Night. (North Adams,Mass)

It was the first time, I had participated in a Pride Festival and it was (in a word)

WONDERFUL.

Both events had weather issues;rain and then wind. It was amazing how people's JOY moved past the weather. In Pittsfield,people marched in the Pride Parade and then arrived at The Pittsfield Common. The joyful energy was palpable. People may have been a little wet,but they were HAPPY. Happy to be amongst friends,family,allies,and community. The performers were excellent. The energy was fantastic. It was an incredible day. I had not been at a market in 6 years,and I felt so welcome,included,and yes,filled with JOY. Seeing people be so comfortable being themselves was a beautiful thing to see. To see people being nice to each other,smiling,singing,and dancing was fabulous.

On June 20,at North Adams Pride Night,the wind was wild. The sky was blue,with white fluffy clouds,but the wind was a challenge. Everyone there was helpful,supportive and enthusiastic. From parking,unloading and setting up,there were volunteers to help.

We were able to set up our booth, and figured out how to keep things from blowing out of the booth. As the evening progressed,people strolled and shopped. Once again,I was amazed at how happy people were. I was amazed at how much I was smiling.

I saw a friend,Jesse,a candle maker,and writer walking by with his husband and their dog. I had only chatted with Jesse through Instagram for the last 4 years, and now we were able to meet in person. So much JOY!

I am so grateful to every person who made these 2 Pride Events happen. In the middle of all the chaos in our world,there were 2 events filled with PRIDE & JOY. I still feel that happiness of community and it is a very good feeling.

-Kim