VERMILION TWP — Grace United Methodist Church hosted Vermilion’s first community Pride celebration June 6, bringing together residents, speakers, churches, vendors and families for a day centered on acceptance, support and community.
The event, titled PRIDE 2026: “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,” was held on the church grounds at 13406 W. Lake Road. The day included speakers, music, vendors, informational resources and children’s activities, creating a family-friendly setting for people to gather, learn and celebrate.
The celebration was organized as part of Grace United Methodist Church’s broader effort to provide a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ residents and allies. Other area faith communities also were represented, with speakers emphasizing that support, listening and belonging are important parts of community life.
Dr. Jim Chapple said the day reflected the kind of community Grace hoped to help build.
“It was a wonderful day of celebration of all diversity,” Chapple said. “From the speakers, to the entertainment, to the vendors or the children’s activities, people were celebrating PRIDE. All I could see as I walked around were smiling faces and people enjoying and valuing each other.”
Chapple said the event showed Vermilion moving toward greater understanding and inclusion.
“It warmed my heart to see so much love and respect,” Chapple said. “I know it was the first of what will be many more PRIDE events. Today, in my opinion, Vermilion grew as a community.
A message of welcome
The program opened with remarks from faith leaders, including Rev. Preston Watkins, who spoke about churches being places of safety and welcome.
“The best example I can give you is that when God pitches a tent, it’s got to have rooms for everybody,” Watkins said. “Know that you are loved, you are held, and if there’s any way that we can walk alongside you, we would be honored to do that.”
Nicole Bertoni, one of the featured speakers, spoke about the importance of community, dialogue and listening to people’s stories.
Bertoni said one of the most important things for LGBTQ+ people is “a sense of community,” including knowing there are people nearby willing to offer support “through good times and through bad.”
Bertoni also encouraged people to listen when others share their experiences.
“When we’re listening to people tell these stories, we listen to them and we believe them,” Bertoni said.
Bertoni said support can be practical, including help with housing, health care and other needs, but it can also be social and emotional.
“Just as important as that physical support is the social support,” Bertoni said, describing the importance of being someone who is willing to listen to others and believe them.
A warm community gathering
Music and entertainment continued throughout the day, while vendors and community groups set up under and around the event tent. Families walked the grounds, visited booths and took part in children’s activities.
For organizers and attendees, the event was a visible sign of support, belonging and community in Vermilion.
Throughout the day, the celebration carried a warm and welcoming tone, with attendees spending time together in a setting built around fellowship, kindness and mutual respect.
People smiled, talked, listened to speakers and spent time with one another in a space designed to make people feel seen and valued.
For Chapple, that was the point.
“Pride is for everyone,” Chapple said.
