Drag Story Hour Sparks Pride in Vermont

Essex Junction, Vermont, lit up Pride with a drag story hour at Phoenix Books—complete with sing-alongs, sign language, and books that made kids and families feel seen. Part of the bigger Essex Pride Festival, the event buzzed with live music, food trucks, and 100+ vendors celebrating LGBTQ+ joy. Organizers like Hilary Casillas and Kris Smith Thyme are turning reluctant readers into fans and building spaces where everyone can be themselves. This was just the start of a month-long June celebration across Vermont—proof that inclusion isn’t a one-off, it’s a movement. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e010da6781d810d2