Community members lined the streets of Media on Saturday for the fourth annual Delco Pride Parade, celebrating visibility, community and support for LGBTQ+ residents across Delaware County.

Marchers carrying rainbow flags, signs and banners made their way through downtown Media before gathering at the Delaware County Courthouse for a Pride flag-raising ceremony.

For many attendees, the event represented more than a celebration.

“I think it’s so special…in a community where Pride isn’t a long-established tradition…to be able to have people be so out and proud, visible in the community,” said Abby Weissman, who marched alongside fellow members of the Hedgerow Theatre Company. 

The message resonated with attendees of all ages.

“Everyone’s expressing themselves,” 11-year-old Madelyn Rothdeutsch Keckler said. “Not what people want them to be, just what they are,”

Others said the event reflected personal journeys toward acceptance.

Francis Palmarino, who marched with members of his church community, said finding a welcoming congregation helped him embrace his identity as a bisexual man.

“It’s not something to be scared of,” Palmarino said. “The idea of Pride is to celebrate togetherness.”

Parents and allies also turned out to show support for LGBTQ+ loved ones.

“It’s important for parents like me to be visible in this parade because then they know that no matter what, they are always loved,” said Nikki Brake-Silla, who attended in support of her daughter.

Volunteers with the organization Free Mom Hugs offered encouragement to attendees whose families may not be as supportive.

“Even if someone’s birth family is not accepting of them, we like to let them know there’s a place for them,” said Bonnie Kaplan.

Following the parade, eventgoers gathered outside the Delaware County Courthouse as the Pride flag was raised and members of the Transcendent Choir performed.

A.K. Hazel, a nonbinary advocate for transgender youth, said the ceremony was moving.

“I got very emotional because getting to raise the Pride flag here at all means so much, knowing that my community believes in me and the people that I love,” Hazel said.

The Delco Pride Festival is scheduled for June 13 in Upper Darby.

June means blueberry season is here, and Delaware has several farms offering u-pick fruit.  

Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh produce to munch on or local ingredients for your summer baking, here’s where you can pick your own blueberries in Delaware this year.  

Fifer Orchards, Camden  

Recognized as a Delaware century family farm after opening in 1919,  Fifer Orchards in Camden typically offers blueberry picking Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (exit by 5 p.m.) for the U-Pick experience.  

For even more fun, U-Play admission features yard games, photo opportunities, food and picnic tables and restrooms for public use. The farm also has Saturdays Extras events with even more to do.  

You also can stop by the Farm Store to purchase local goodies and a selection of the orchard’s fresh fruits and vegetables.   

If you find yourself getting hungry after picking blueberries, the Farm Kitchen building sells a variety of lunch and dessert items. 

The farm uses its Facebook page to keep guests updated on daily picking conditions and orchard offerings.  

1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden, (302) 697-2141; fiferorchards.com/     

Bennett Orchards, Frankford  

Bennett Orchards is another location offering u-pick blueberries. This Frankford farm has several varieties of blueberries and sells produce at various farmers markets throughout the beach towns if you can’t fit in a day of picking.   

The farm provides wagons free of charge to help with the picking experience, and Bennett Orchards’ picking containers can be used on return visits for a discount.