Belmont's Pride Parade Is Still On

BELMONT, MA — Belmont's Pride Parade isn't going anywhere — the parade is scheduled for Saturday rain or shine, despite the Boston Pride Parade cancelling this year's 50th anniversary parade in light of the coronavirus. The walking parade is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m.

The walking parade will be held on the sidewalks, streets will not be closed off. The parade starts at the Town Green and is three miles in total. The Belmont parade was originally supposed to be a car procession, but organizers decided to switch to walking in order to simplify the plan.

A letter to members was sent out, reading:

"Times have been challenging of late. With months of dealing with COVID and the recent murder of George Floyd, it has been difficult not to be overwhelmed with emotion and to be preoccupied with how to respond. There have also been questions recently raised about doing car parades in Belmont and how they should happen, which complicated our original plans. After further thought, we decided to hold something simpler, a walking Pride Parade. We won't have closed streets and will have to walk on the sidewalks."

Attendees were reminded to wear masks and practice social distancing. The event is co-sponsored by Belmont LGBTQI Alliance and Belmont Human Rights Commission.

For more information or to RSVP, contact belmontagainstracism@gmail.com.