BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – Bellows Falls Pride has been planning upcoming events through the end of the year, so mark your calendars.
On Friday, Sept. 22, there will be a community dance at the Bellows Falls Moose Lodge. DJ Uncle Thicc returns to the Bellows Falls Moose Lodge, 59 Westminster Street, once again for a night of dancing tunes. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own picnic or order in. A full bar is available. This is a family friendly event. Special meet and greet with Roger Barraby, running for Pride at the November 2023 Gay Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Inspire your young adults with his story. Barraby is sponsored by the LGBT National Help Center.
Wednesday, Oct. 11 – For National Coming Out Day, attend a special public event to honor the people who made a difference to the LGBTQ+ community, past and present. The historic marker for the Andrews Inn is now visible to all since it’s been moved in front of the Windham Hotel building. Join us at 5:30 p.m. in the lounge at Ciao Popolo, the former home of the Andrews Inn, to recognize their accomplishments. Bar and full dinner menu will be available for purchase; reservations appreciated by Ciao Popolo. A Queer Youth Performance in the style of Commedia del Arte will be presented by Sean Roberts as part of the event. Afterward, stay for “Tales From the Lounge,” a chance to share remembrances of the years when the Andrews Inn was, for many, the only place where the LGBTQ+ community could feel safe and accepted. No need to sign up in advance.
Saturday, Oct. 14 – The first annual Tweed Ride and Picnic, in honor of Andrews Inn founder and Bellows Falls resident John Moisis. Gather in the Square near the Andrews Inn historic marker at 11 a.m. Ride commences at 11:30 a.m. All styles are welcome. All families are welcome. A tweed ride is a casual, slow, communal ride, where bike riders dress in vintage attire. But we’re not here to be sticklers on fashion, so when we say dress to impress, it’s up to you. We’ll end in Hetty Green Park for a bring your own picnic (BYOP). Bring something from home or grab something from one of the local shops.
John Moises, proprietor of the Andrews Inn (the first LGBT bar in Vermont) was known for his fabulous outfits, his fur coat notwithstanding. So to honor him and to give us a chance to dress to impress too, we’re having our own commemorative bike ride.
Friday, Dec. 8 – Cap off the year with a Holiday Drag Show at the Bellows Falls Moose Lodge, 59 Westminster Street, on Friday, Dec. 8, featuring queens from the north with Anita Cocktail and Friends. Doors open at 8:30, show starts at 9 p.m. Stay tuned for more information about ticket purchase and other festive fun.
Need a bike? Check out the Bellows Falls Community Bike Project. For information about tweed outings, check out the New England Tweed Club and Greater Boston Vintage Society on Facebook.