Residents Invited to Pride Picnic Sunday On Town Common

Code 1 BBQ and Tee & The Gents return for second annual celebration.

On Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Tewksbury Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will host the town’s second annual Pride celebration. This year’s Pride Picnic will be an inclusive, welcoming community event featuring speakers including DA Marian Ryan and live music from local band Tee & The Gents. The program will also include an original poem and a singing performance from two TMHS students.

Back by popular demand — they sold out last year — is Code 1 BBQ and The Stand “Shaken not Stirred.” They will be joined by Kona Ice of Mass. Residents are also welcome to bring their own picnics. The weather is going to be perfect for a great day!

Town Hall Avenue will be closed for the event from Pleasant St. to the Town Hall parking lot, allowing space for community groups to set up tables. Residents may park at the Town Hall Annex lot or across the street at the former Bank of America lot. The event will run rain or shine.

Tewksbury Public Schools groups including the Gender Sexuality Alliance and Tewksbury Titans Robotics Team will help celebrate. Our gazebo will again be lit in LED rainbow lights, thanks to a grant.

The gazebo will remain decked in Pride colors for the month of June.

“The response from the community in support of this event has been tremendous,” said Jayne Wellman, chair of the TDEIAC and Select Board member. “The Pride Picnic is about celebrating all our LGBTQ+ friends, family, allies and neighbors and honoring their contributions to our community. It’s an outward reminder that Tewksbury is a welcoming community, with a place for everyone.”

Pride started in 1969, when Stonewall Inn patrons, most of whom identified as LGBTQ+, came out to demand equal treatment under the law in a demonstration that lasted six days. One year later, the first Gay Pride Parade stretched for 15 New York City blocks. That quintessentially American display of activism is celebrated each year in June, which in 1999 was formally designated Pride Month. Across the country, communities organize events and parades to recognize the contributions of, and show solidarity with, their LGBTQ+ neighbors.

While work to embody the values of Pride — tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity — continues year-round, the annual Pride event is an opportunity for the Tewksbury community to come together to celebrate. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a party on the Common. We’ll chalk the walk, have glitter tattoos, face painting, and more. We can’t wait to see you!