Submitted by Rev. Dana Allen Walsh, South Church in Andover, UCC (MA) ~ dana@southchurch.com
A bright blue sky was the backdrop for the joy-filled colorful 2nd Annual Andover Pride Car Parade organized by South Church Pride on Sunday, June 13th. Cars decorated with balloons, flags, and banners lined up shortly before 1 PM at the church. People were encouraged to decorate their cars and join in the parade or decorate themselves and stand along the route that went through downtown Andover. Those enjoying lunch outside at restaurants along the route could be seen waving and cheering as the parade went by. Cars waiting as the parade went by joined in with loud honks and waves out their windows.
Sheri Wilson participated in the parade and was thrilled by the number of youth that attended saying, “One thing to absolutely
celebrate was that the youth were numerous and wonderful! If we are giving our youth the clear message that we love and support them no matter where they find themselves on their journeys, we are doing God's work.”
In early May, a resident of neighboring North Reading reached out to South Church Pride, representing a group of enthusiastic volunteers hoping to organize a “pride ride” in their town. Their inaugural parade kicked off with about 40 cars and a DJ. In turn, North Reading’s neighboring town of
Reading reached out to them regarding logistics as they were inspired by North Reading to hold their own parade. Love inspires love! The groups are hopeful that next year they can get an early start to coordinate a route together working with their respective police departments.
State Representative Tram T. Nguyen attended the Andover parade and said she looks forward to helping with the event next year. Rep. Nguyen shared this message, “On this day and every day, we send our love and support to all of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors that we will do everything in our power to protect your lives and your freedom.”
For more about South Church Pride, visit southchurch.com/pride.
A bright blue sky was the backdrop for the joy-filled colorful 2nd Annual Andover Pride Car Parade organized by South Church Pride on Sunday, June 13th. Cars decorated with balloons, flags, and banners lined up shortly before 1 PM at the church. People were encouraged to decorate their cars and join in the parade or decorate themselves and stand along the route that went through downtown Andover. Those enjoying lunch outside at restaurants along the route could be seen waving and cheering as the parade went by. Cars waiting as the parade went by joined in with loud honks and waves out their windows.Sheri Wilson participated in the parade and was thrilled by the number of youth that attended saying, “One thing to absolutely
celebrate was that the youth were numerous and wonderful! If we are giving our youth the clear message that we love and support them no matter where they find themselves on their journeys, we are doing God's work.”In early May, a resident of neighboring North Reading reached out to South Church Pride, representing a group of enthusiastic volunteers hoping to organize a “pride ride” in their town. Their inaugural parade kicked off with about 40 cars and a DJ. In turn, North Reading’s neighboring town of
Reading reached out to them regarding logistics as they were inspired by North Reading to hold their own parade. Love inspires love! The groups are hopeful that next year they can get an early start to coordinate a route together working with their respective police departments.State Representative Tram T. Nguyen attended the Andover parade and said she looks forward to helping with the event next year. Rep. Nguyen shared this message, “On this day and every day, we send our love and support to all of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors that we will do everything in our power to protect your lives and your freedom.”
For more about South Church Pride, visit southchurch.com/pride.