BIDDEFORD – Organizers of the annual Pride Flag raising event on Saturday say there were pleased by the turnout for this year’s celebration, which marks the beginning of Pride Month.

Pride Month is an international celebration designed to recognize and celebrate diversity, especially among members of the LGBTQ+ community.

According to Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, this is the third year that the event has taken place in the city, and turnout this year – despite poor weather – seemed to be following a trend of growing attendance each year.

Poupore said more than 50 people attended Saturday’s ceremonies adjacent to City Hall.

“I was really pleased by the positive energy and optimism that I saw there,” said City Councilor Doris Ortiz. “This year, we saw a lot more young people turning out to celebrate, and I think that’s a good sign. When people feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves.”

Ortiz said student groups from both Biddeford High School and Thornton Academy helped organize this year’s ceremonies, which also included a short march from City Hall to Williams Court for a community picnic.

Other events to celebrate the kickoff of Pride Month in Biddeford included a Pride Concert performance at City Theater on Friday evening and a drag show by Curbside Queens on Saturday evening, also at City Theater.

On Saturday June 10, Sacred Profane Brewing and The Rebel Market will be co-hosting a “Stand Together” Block Party, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 50 Washington Street in Biddeford. Organizers say that event will include live music, food trucks and more than 20 vendors displaying merchandise for sale.