• Marching FAQs 10

Marching FAQs

• What if it rains?

  Our event will take place outdoors if weather is nice! If inclement, we will move inside of the Municipal Center. The parade will still go on if it rains so long as it is safe to do so.

• Where is the celebration being held?

  The celebration is held at the Bethel Municipal Center (a.k.a. Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center), 1 School Street, Bethel, CT, on the front lawn.

• Where can I watch the parade?

  Our pedestrian parade will take place on the sidewalks! Marchers will gather on the sidewalks across from the Bethel Train Station, walk down Durant Ave. towards the Bethel Library (passing the Municipal Center lawn on their left). At the corner of Durant Ave. and Greenwood Ave., marchers will take a left on Greenwood and follow the inner sidewalks to PT Barnum Square, then circle back to the Municipal Center lawn. Spectators are encouraged to walk from the Municipal Center or the opposite side of the street from the parade.  Check out the map below for details.

• Where is the parade route?

  Marchers will gather on the sidewalks across from the Bethel Train Station (13 Durant Ave., Bethel), walk down Durant Ave. towards the Bethel Library (passing the Municipal Center lawn on their left). At the corner of Durant Ave. and Greenwood Ave., marchers will take a left on Greenwood and follow the inner sidewalks to PT Barnum Square, then circle back to the Municipal Center lawn. Check out the map below for details.

• ​What is the parade route like? How difficult is the route?

  ​The total route is almost exactly 1K. The parade route can be split into two sections, each about a half kilometer: between the train station and municipal center and the loop on Greenwood Ave. You can do both sections, or jump in or out of​ the​ parade at the ​Municipal ​Center if you don’t feel you can do the whole route. We will have crossing guards to assist at any crosswalks.

  The section between the train station and the ​Municipal ​Center is the easier half. It’s absolutely flat, has an excellent sidewalk, and curb cuts at each crossing.

  The loop from the ​M​unicipal ​Center out to Greenwood Ave and back to the Municipal Center through P.T. Barnum Square is still mostly flat, but has a slight climb along Greenwood Ave. It then slopes back towards the Municipal Center. The area has streetscaping with cobbles on the sidewalk, which may be more difficult to walk on than a concrete sidewalk if you are using a mobility aid. The sidewalks are also a little narrower due to the light poles used in the streetscaping. You can still pass easily with a wheelchair.

• Can I bring signs, banners, or giveaways?

  We encourage signs, banners, and any other items that represent your group or message. You are responsible for storing your signage after the parade has concluded.

  Please do not bring candy or small items to throw, as it can be harmful to animals.

• Can I bring a float?

  Small, non-motorized floats, such as those made with wagons or strollers are acceptable. If you have an idea and are unsure if it will work for a pedestrian parade, please first reach out to us at info@bethelctpride.com.

• What should I wear when marching?

  We welcome marchers to positively express themselves as they wish; however, please bear in mind that this is a family-friendly event.

• Do I need to march in a group?

  No. We encourage anyone who would like to participate to march in the parade. Feel free to march with family and friends.

• What precautions are you taking for Covid-19?

  We will follow CT state guidelines in place at the time of our event.

  We will have hand sanitizer and extra masks available for use, if desired!