Concord Select Board proclaims June as Concord Pride Month, raises flag at Pride Fest

The Town of Concord Select Board on June 6 publicly recognized June as Concord Pride Month and designated June 6, 2026, as Concord Pride Fest during the town’s third annual celebration in Monument Square. Chair Wendy Rebelli read the board’s proclamation onstage and a flag-raising followed, organizers said.

The proclamation — read by Wendy Rebelli, identified in the program as Chair of the Select Board — described the event as “a formal recognition of the dignity and importance” of Pride activities in Concord and said the town endorses the festival’s goals of inclusion and celebration. The program text and onstage remarks state the Select Board passed the proclamation unanimously, enabling the flag-raising tied to today’s festivities.

“Trans rights are human rights,” the event organizer said from the stage as they framed the day’s activities in a history of protest and civic advocacy. Organizers thanked volunteers, named local helpers including Mimi Graney and Beth Williams, and noted a food vendor, Uncle Joey’s Cannoli, as part of the day’s offerings.

Philip Deaton, introduced as the parade’s grand marshal and described by organizers as an 86-year-old lifelong Concord resident, was invited to greet attendees. The festival’s hosted drag show, emceed by a performer who identified themself as Misery, featured local acts including Miss Victoria, Miss Sasha Stone and Jasmine Skye, and invited participation from children and families in the crowd.

Later in the program, Reverend Amy Friedman of First Parish introduced a musical set by Anna and Mickey and welcomed guest musician Tanya Thomas from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who debuted a song called “Transgender for Everyone,” organizers said. The MC and performers closed the stage program by thanking staff, volunteers and technical crew and encouraged attendees to remain for a band performance later in the day.

The proclamation and flag-raising were ceremonial actions by the Select Board to signal municipal support for the festival and Concord’s LGBTQIA+ community. No formal policy change or budget action was announced at the event; organizers described the day as celebration, remembrance of Pride’s protest origins and an affirmation of inclusion.