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Neighbor News

Ridgefield's 7th annual Pride in the Park in Photos

Ridgefield Pride's 7th annual Pride in the Park took place on June 6, 2026 from 12-3pm in Ballard Park.

Ridgefield CT Pride, Neighbor
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Photo Credit: Alisa Trachtenberg JJ Jarrard and Mary Joyce enjoy the stream of bubbles coming their way as they march in the parade at Ridgefield’s 7th annual Pride in the Park celebration which took place on June 6, 2026 in Ballard Park. (Alisa Trachtenberg)
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Reina the Ridgefield Mermaid led the town’s Pride parade this year. “I had no idea humans were so colorful and kind! I’ll definitely be back for Ridgefield Pride next year!” (Chris Priedemann)
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Adam Broderick Salon & Spa was this year’s presenting sponsor for Ridgefield Pride in the Park 2026. Broderick beamed as he commented, “It is a privilege to be here since the beginning and see it evolve just as the awareness (Chris Priedemann)
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“It is fantastic to see everyone gathered here today, especially at a time when we need it the most,” shared Allie Taylor who enjoyed the festivities at Pride in the Park with friends Casey Duwe and Paul Keith. (Alisa Trachtenberg)
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Back: Ridgefield Pride in the Park organizers Mary Joyce and Alisa Trachtenberg with First Selectperson Rudy Marconi. Front: Rep. Savet Constantine, Rep Aimee Berger-Girvalo and Senator Julie Kushner. (Susie Buckley)
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Bruce Lombardi & Jennifer Franz were all smiles as they represented St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at Pride in the Park. St. Stephen’s partners with Ridgefield Pride for a variety of events throughout the year. “All Are Welcome” banner in background. (Alisa Trachtenberg)
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Bob Scrofani and husband Wes York, married 16 years, came up from Norwalk. “It really feels good to walk in a public place and not feel like an outsider. I can hold my husband's hand and not worry about anything,” said Scrofani with a joyful smile. (Alisa Trachtenberg)
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Adam Broderick with “The Queer Side of Ridgefield: LGBTQIA+ Experiences of Ridgefield, Connecticut.” which is the culmination of the Ridgefield Oral History Project. This project is a partnership between Ridgefield Historical Society & Ridgefield Pride. (Alisa Trachtenberg)
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Congressman Jim Himes stopped by Ridgefield Democrats’ booth at Ridgefield Pride in the Park 2026. Featured with the Congressman are Ellen Darvick and Kathleen Holz. (Susie Buckley)
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Friends relaxing on a bench alongside their rainbow-clad pooch at Ridgefield Pride in the Park 2026. (Chris Priedemann)
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Pride march at Ridgefield Pride in the Park, June 6, 2026. (Mason Boilla)
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The crowd listens attentively to the opening remarks before the Pride march at Ridgefield Pride in the Park which took place on June 6, 2026. (Mason Boilla)
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There were approximately 50 exhibitors at this year’s Pride in the Park including local non-profits and businesses. In addition to information, many of the exhibitors had fun crafts and games for event-goers to enjoy. (Chris Priedemann)
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Carolyn Onorato, clad in pink, the owner of reFabjack went above and beyond by donating 100% of their proceeds to Ridgefield Pride for everything sold at Pride in the Park on June 6, 2026. (Chris Priedemann)
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Congregation Shir Shalom has been a supporter of Pride in the Park since it’s inception. Kids enjoy the fun crafts designed by Laurie Dubin. (Nevin Dubin)
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Carina Drake & daughter Kiara were thrilled to see the Heated Rivalry display at the Ridgefield Library booth at Pride in the Park. “Love is love. We are all glad Illia got to go to the cottage, said Carina. (Alisa Trachtenberg)

Ridgefield’s 7th annual Pride in the Park took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The weather was perfect and folks came out in droves to enjoy the festivities. As usual, there was a DJ, free Cotton Candy, Lawn Games, crafts and a plethora of exhibitors - many of them offering fun crafts and activities. Ridgefield Running held a Prideful run in the morning and Basil Yoga offered a free yoga session by the stage from 11-12. This year’s parade around the park was led by the Reina the Ridgefield Mermaid! Reina commented, “I had no idea humans were so colorful and kind! I’ll definitely be back for Ridgefield Pride next year!”

There were approximately 50 organizations at the event ranging from the Ridgefield Library and Ms. President US to the Ridgefield Historical Society and reFabjack. Adam Broderick Salon and Spa was this year’s presenting sponsor. Congregation Shir Shalom and Western CT Coalition were also major sponsors of the event.

Ridgefield CT Pride is a non-profit, charitable organization created in 2019 under the umbrella of the 501(c)3 organization Friends of Ridgefield Community Programs.

Our mission:

  • to foster a sense of belonging for our LGBTQ+ community, family, and friends
  • to educate, promote awareness and understanding, and increase visibility
  • to provide support for LGBTQ+ individuals and their friends and family
  • to celebrate Ridgefield’s LGBTQ+ community

Ridgefield Pride supports the LGBTQIA+ community as well as their families and loved ones because whether people realize it or not, basically everyone knows someone who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. They offer a variety in person for members of the LGBTQ+ community for adults, families & youth. They also offer zoom support groups for parents/guardians, friends, families and loved ones of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

For a list of local upcoming Pride events, support group schedules, or to join their mailing list, or make a donation, visit https://ridgefieldpride.org.

For adults we have

  • a monthly happy hour at TerraSole. Our next one is June 10th and then we will be switching to the 1st Wednesday of the month.
  • Sapphic Socials offer an opportunity for queer individuals who identify as female to gather, have fun and make connections. The next Sapphic Social is Sunday, June 21st.
  • Book Club - the book club reads a variety of books that are by, about or of interest to LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
  • Annual cocktail/mocktail winter party.
  • Drag bingo fundraiser - coming this fall

For adults and families

  • Walking/Hiking - next hike is Sunday June 14 (dogs welcome)
  • Game Night & Potluck (4th Monday of the month)
  • Playgroups for individuals with children age 5 and under and another group for individuals with children age 5 and older.
  • Annual BBQ and other summer gatherings too.
  • Pride Art (Window Painting, Art Creation, Art Expo)
  • Pride Poetry
  • Pride in the Park
  • Friendsgiving gathering

For youth

  • LGBTQIA+ Youth Group - (2nd Thursdays of the month at the Teen Barn) This is run in partnership with Lighthouse Kids in Crisis.

Outreach/Education / Advocacy

  • Education Series: Series of panel discussions targeted at different groups: youth, families & those who work with youth, seniors.
  • Visibility campaigns
  • Resources
  • Oral History Project

Areas Served: Ridgefield Pride provides both periodic and on-going support to the Ridgefield community and beyond - including but not limited to Fairfield County, lower Litchfield County, northwestern New Haven County, southwestern Hartford County and eastern Westchester County. Bethel, Brookfield, Fairfield, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wilton

Volunteer and Sponsorship Info: https://ridgefieldpride.org/get-involved/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgefieldctpride/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/781519255874271

DONATE: https://ridgefieldpride.org/donate/ (click “Donate Today”)

Website: ridgefieldpride.org

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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