SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The most colorful event of the year is here again. Mark your calendar to attend Rainbow-Palooza Pride & VegFest on Saturday, June 27, from 12-5 p.m., on the grounds of the Springfield Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 Fairground Road in Springfield, Vt.
Attendees at this free and family-friendly event will encounter fun activities, fascinating vendors and exhibitors, and an array of fabulous speakers.
At noon, Vermont author Michael Freed-Thall will talk about his book “The Queen of New York,” a historical novel exploring courage, friendship, identity, and resistance across pivotal moments in 20th-century American history.
At 1 p.m., a panel of New England animal advocates will talk about their work and how we all can support them. Speakers will include representatives from Protect Our Wildlife Vermont, the New Hampshire Animal Rights League, and Western Massachusetts Animal Rights Advocates, and the panel will be moderated by Vine Sanctuary cofounder pattrice jones.
At 2 p.m., Chery Wylie, of Vine, will present an interactive vegan cooking demonstration.
At 3 p.m., featured speaker Aaron Almanza will take the stage to teach attendees how to use their creativity to express their views. Almanza is the executive director of the National LGBT Helpline and the initiator of numerous creative initiatives, such as Little Queery Free Book Bike.
An activist since the 1990s, Almanza says that “the current climate is scary and incredibly unpredictable, but the only way forward is together.” His interactive workshop will allow attendees to make their own protest signs.
Taking action will also be the theme of the day’s final speaker, Vermont State Sen. Becca White. At Rainbow-Palooza, White will offer practical encouragement to LGBTQIA+ people considering public service, advocacy, organizing, or running for office themselves.
Throughout the event, a supervised children’s activity area will offer arts-and-crafts projects. Vendors like New Leaf Eats and Hidden Bean Bakeshop, and nonprofit exhibitors such as HCRS, PFLAG, and the Vermont Workers Center will showcase their wares and information. For those who don’t have money to spend, a free vegan lunch will be served starting at 1 p.m.
This event is sponsored by Vine Sanctuary in cooperation with the Springfield Town Library and the National LGBT Helpline. Visit www.rainbowpalooza.org for more information.