On Saturday, June 28 at 9 a.m. we will celebrate our Fourth Unity & Community Pride here in Lincoln County. The Pride day starts atthe Memorial Veterans Park, Newcastle.

We gather that we are One Community that cares about each other and respects each other:  We celebrate Unity in our Community and support for LGBTQ+ Youth and Families. 

At 9 a.m., a welcome and Meet & Greet hosted by St. Andrews’ Jim Swain and Crew with baked goods and beverages. The event founder Dona will be part of this welcome along with volunteers and other community partners. This kick off to the day’s festivities allows for connection and Pride crew to pass out “swag” such as flags, bracelets, fun beaded necklaces and much more!It’sa great time to see colorful hairstyles, expression of artistic outfits and fun music, by Lim Kent of Boothbay, a Pride partner and crewmember. 

The Damariscotta Police Department along with Lincoln County Sherriff Office will be with us and have been for the past three years. The event will rally and Dona will begin opening remarks just before 10 we take a moment to give thanks for our veterans. Pastor Dotti Yunger, of the United Methodist Church, will give prayer. 

Words fromkeynote speaker. The Unity Walk, also known as a Pride Parade or March. This begins with Police Chief Jason Warnick and Dona in the first vehicle, floats, other vehicles and Community join behind, followed by Sheriff’s Chief Deputy escort Rand Maker, through Main Street over the Bridge to Damariscotta, up Main Street to remind us that we are all one, walking on the same road as equals, we cross the bridge reminding us to keep communication open both ways, listen and speak be of Respect and Peace.   

As we walk we sing, connect and gather again at the Rising Tide Co-Op, there we will be greeted by Shannon Baily, Dona and Shannon wait for all walkers to complete the walk, then we begin festivities at Rising Tide, this will include, beverages, fresh fruit from our partner Hannaford’s, Pride cupcakes, face painting and T-shirt painting, Speakers and music and fun. Fun activates from Healthy Lincoln County, a partner.  

From 12:30 to 2 p.m., the Skidompha Library on Main Street is hosting a Tea & Thee for continued Connect and Community. This will allow for anyone wishing to share a poem or words an opportunity to do so. We hope that this year marks as invitation for new partners to join June Pride Month and that Lincoln County continues to be a safe, loving and supportive community for all.  

Please join us, as everyone is welcome! 

Keep Hope Alive in 2025  

 On Saturday, June 14: Families and Allies Group (support and resource) at Skidompha Library, 10-11 a.m.

Sunday, June 22: Documentary ccreening of  “Just Us” followed by a panel Discussion Open to all with free admission. Seating at 4:45 p.m. 

Saturday, June 28: Fourth annual Lincoln County Unity & CommunityPride kickoff. A welcome with Meet & Greet with baked goods and beverages from St. Andrews, 9 a.m., Veteran’s Memorial Park Newcastle

Saturday, June 28 9 a.m.-noon: we will celebrate our Fourth Unity & Community Pride event starting at the Memorial Veterans Park, Newcastle. We will gather that we are One Community that cares about each other and respects each other.

Saturday, June 28: 12:30-2 p.m.: Tea & Thee Pride Connection and Celebration at Skidompha

Sunday, June 29: Film “Pride,” showing at Lincoln Theater, 5 p.m.; free admission: Vouchers provided for uouth snack and beverage.