Despite Rain, Hundreds Gather To Celebrate Pride In Windham

WINDHAM, NH — Last weekend was gloomy and rainy, but that didn't stop hundreds of people from gathering for Windham's fourth annual Pride Festival on Sunday.

Hosted by Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity + Inclusion and held at Windham High School, the free festival was organized in allyship of the LGBTQ+ community and to provide an accepting space for all to celebrate.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of family-friendly activities including live entertainment, food trucks, activities and games, and a raffle with over 35 donated goods from residents, artists, organizations, and businesses. Proceeds from the event funded various annual Windham DEI initiatives created to foster unity and dialogue to build a more inclusive Windham.

This year's entertainment included DJ Triana and drag performer Clara Divine for the fourth consecutive year. Organizers also partnered with Queerlective, which seeks to create more inclusive communities through art. Local organizations and businesses offered activities for all ages including tie dye, hair tinsel, rock painting, henna, lawn games, as well as Zahirah NurTruth Arts collaborative and face paint.

"There are countless ways that Pride brings people together," Katreena Callahan of
Windham DEI said. "From our longstanding Rainbow Sponsors Rockingham Emergency Veterinary Hospital and Inspired Martial Arts Center to our resident drag performer Clara Divine, and the community volunteers who make it possible each year, Pride is about collaboration and
celebration all in the spirit of making Windham a more welcoming place for all. That spirit
showed through this year – rain or shine!"

Senator Jeanne Shaheen even sent a letter of support and well wishes for the festival.