Belmont Celebrates Marriage Equity with Ice Cream Today

Who doesn't like ice cream? And (most) people like marriage. Today, Friday, May 17, Belmont residents will have the chance to combined the two at the state's only continuously-held celebration for marriage equality will be held on the Town Green.

The annual Freedom to Marry Ice Cream Social will be held at the Universalist at the corner of Common Street and Concord Avenue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

It event recognizes the day in 2004 when same-sex couples were first granted marriage licenses in Massachusetts after the state's Supreme Court approved same-sex marriage

That day also saw the first celebrations take place including in Belmont.

“On May 17, 2004, late night celebrations were being held all over the Commonwealth,” recalls Belmont's Donna Ruvolo.

“We wanted to do something different. By holding a daytime event, we were able to come together with the countless individuals and families in Belmont – gay and straight – that recognized and supported marriage equality.  It was, and still is, a true community celebration,” said Ruvolo last year. 

The event features unlimited free scoops of ice cream from Rancatore’s and local, musical talent.  

“The Ice Cream Social is one of the few events in town where you see high-schoolers, senior citizens, young families and empty-nesters coming together” Ruvolo added.

“It is a spring tradition for Belmont and our neighboring communities, and everyone is welcome.”  

The event is co-sponsored by: The Belmont Gay Straight Alliance Committee of Belmont Against Racism; the Belmont High School Gay Straight Alliance; Beth El Temple Center; First Church Belmont Unitarian Universalist; and the Town of Belmont's Human Rights Commission.