CHARLEMONT — Now in its eighth year, the organizers of Pride Day on the River are expecting as many as 100 participants for the festivities on Saturday, June 13.
Founder and organizer Ann Gillard said volunteers are excited to welcome back returning LGBTQ outdoor enthusiasts, as well as first-timers, for this year’s event, which includes whitewater rafting, kayaking and an after-party along the Deerfield River.
“It’s amazing there’s so much enthusiasm and goodwill for this event,” Gillard said. “We’re expecting 60 to 100 people to join us for the community paddle and wear their finest rainbow to paddle down the river.”
Pride Day on the River was created by Gillard in 2019 as a way to create a safe space for LGBTQ people to build confidence and community in paddle sports. The annual event is split into a few different activities, including a discounted whitewater rafting excursion with Crab Apple Whitewater, a free whitewater kayaking workshop and a free community paddle through the Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River.
“It’s really just a place to have community, and is about creating a safe and supportive place for LGBTQ people to enjoy paddle sports,” Gillard said. “The focus is really on celebrating Pride, which is something we need to keep making space for.”
Gillard said the past few years have been challenging, between federal executive orders and legislation impacting the LGBTQ community, and an increasingly hostile society, but the community that has rallied around Pride Day on the River has continued to show up. Every year, she sees faces return, and people who were originally beginners but have since gained experience often return and help new people navigate the Deerfield River.
Queer outdoor enthusiasts will take to the Deerfield River again on Saturday, June 13, for the annual Pride Day on the River. Credit: WILLIAM COWIE / Contributed 
Pride Day on the River began as a way for organizer Ann Gillard to create a safe space for herself and other LGBTQ people to build confidence and community in paddle sports. This year, the eighth annual event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13. Credit: CONTRIBUTED
While the event has grown over the years, Gillard said it’s important to her to keep it small enough that people can still enjoy the day out on the water and have the chance to connect with nature, which Gillard said can be healing and provide clarity during challenging times.
“I think rivers have a lot to share with us,” Gillard said. “It’s always flowing. … For me, Pride Day on the River is about taking that time to connect with nature and the queer community.”
Due to space constraints, both the kayaking course and rafting excursion will be limited to just people who identify as LGBTQ. However, all queer folks and allies are welcome for the community paddle, which will meet at the Zoar Picnic Area at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Gillard added that after a long day on the water, members of the queer community and allies are also welcome to gather at the Zoar Outdoor pavilion for an after-party from 4:30 to 7 p.m. There will be food, music, drag performances and raffles.
The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit pridedayontheriver.org.
