Discover 5 Fascinating Pride Facts & Upcoming Pride Events!

  June is here, and with it comes the vibrant celebrations of Pride Month! This is a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality, and acknowledge the ongoing struggles, now more than ever. Whether you're a longtime ally or new to the festivities, there’s always something new to learn about this vibrant and resilient community.  So, grab your rainbow swag and get read on for more info and fun things to do to celebrate Pride Month on Cape Cod! 🌈❤️🏳️‍🌈   1. Each color on the flag holds its own unique significance     Undoubtedly, the rainbow flag stands out as a prominent symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. Have you ever pondered the significance behind each of its vibrant colors? Originally it had eight distinct hues, each color on the flag carrying its own meaning. From red, symbolizing life, to violet, illustrating spirit, each shade holds a unique representation. For instance, orange embodies healing, pink represents sexuality, and yellow signifies sunlight.   2. More than 20 different flags represent the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community.   Another essential Pride insight lies in the existence of over 20 distinct LGBT+ flags, each with its own significance akin to the colors of the Pride flag's rainbow. Every flag serves as a representation of various gender identities and sexual orientations. While many individuals in the LGBT+ community resonate with the traditional Pride flag, others may find a stronger connection with a specific type of flag instead or in addition to, and you might see more then one flying at people's homes.   3. The legendary rainbow flag was created in 1978     The History of the Iconic Rainbow Flag Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, this vibrant flag has become an international symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. Initially featuring eight colors, the flag was later simplified to six: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. This change involved removing hot pink and merging turquoise and indigo into royal blue. Gilbert Baker, a respected drag queen and openly gay man, was inspired to create the flag by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Baker’s creation has since become a beacon of pride, diversity, and resilience for LGBTQ+ people worldwide.   4. São Paulo, Brazil, is home to the world's largest Pride Parade.   photo courtesy of vamosgay.com The Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo had humble beginnings, starting with just 2,000 attendees in 1997. However, it has since grown into a massive event drawing millions. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest Gay Pride celebration globally in 2006, Sao Paulo's parade boasted 2.5 million attendees, a record that remains unbroken to this day. Other prominent Pride parades follow closely behind, with around 2 million participants in New York and approximately 1.7 million in San Francisco.   5. Brenda Howard is recognized as the "Mother of Pride."   photo courtesy of advocate.com Brenda Howard, a prominent activist for bisexual rights, is affectionately referred to as the "Mother of Pride." She earned this title for her pivotal role in organizing the first Liberation March on Christopher Street, just one year after the historic event. Brenda envisioned a week-long Pride Festival comprising parades, rallies, and dance parties, a concept that has endured and flourished ever since.   Upcoming Pride Events on Cape Cod!  June 1: Pride Festival and Marketplace, Town Hall, Provincetown June 2: Feet Over Front Street, Commercial Street, Provincetown June 2: Out on the Bay, Wequassett, Harwich June 4: Pride Month Movie Night: Chrissy Judy, Wellfleet Public Library, Wellfleet June 5: LBGTQ & Allies Get Bad. Do Good. Charity Bingo, Bad Martha, Falmouth June 6: Pride Month Author Talk: Sandra Faiman-Silva, Highfield Hall & Gardens, Falmouth June 6: Marimba Cabaret, Harvest Gallery, Dennis June 6: LGBTQ Pride Putt Putt, Live Music, and BBQ, Duxbury Senior Center, Duxbury June 8: Martha’s Vineyard Pride Parade, Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs June 8: Marimba Cabaret, Cape Symphony’s Falmouth campus, Falmouth June 8: Outside Straight Lines: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Artists on the Cape opening reception, The 204, Harwich. On exhibit during visiting hours from June 1-30. June 9: Pride Pawty Yappy Hour at Cape Cod Beer, Cape Cod Beer, Hyannis June 13: Our Queer Elders Concert with Katie Castagno: LGBTQ History Through Song, Brewster Ladies Library, Brewster June 14-16: Arts Alive 2024, Falmouth Library Lawn, Falmouth June 19: LBGTQ & Allies Get Bad. Do Good. Charity Bingo, Bad Martha, Falmouth June 30: Plymouth Pride Festival, Nelson Memorial Park, Plymouth June 30: Plymouth Pride After Party, Plymouth   Cape Cod ~ A Vacationer’s Paradise   Are you dreaming of a getaway to Cape Cod, the picturesque gem of Massachusetts? Planning the perfect accommodation is a crucial part of turning your vacation into a memorable experience. Look no further – navigating through our collection of properties is a breeze.  Our user-friendly website, www.seashorerentalscapecod.com, allows you to effortlessly explore various options, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and high-quality images. Find the property that speaks to you and fits your vacation vision seamlessly, and book instantly right online.

Cape Cod Memorial Day Guide: Events and Activities

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and Cape Cod is gearing up with a variety of events to help you honor those that have given everything for us and our country.  Once known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a time to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the military. Here on the Cape, we come together with heartfelt parades and ceremonies to commemorate their sacrifices. Originally, Decoration Day was dedicated to those who fell during the Civil War. Over time, it has grown to honor all service members who have died in the line of duty. Now a cherished federal holiday, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer here on Cape Cod, blending remembrance with the joys of the season.     Celebrating Memorial Day on Cape Cod: On Cape Cod, Memorial Day is embraced with a variety of events that blend patriotism with recreation. From the 20th annual Troops in the Spotlight in Hyannis to the exhilarating Figawi Sailing Race departing from Hyannis Harbor, the Cape is alive with both reflective and festive activities throughout the long weekend. Read on for ways you can participate in the unique ways Cape Cod celebrates this meaningful holiday.   Rhododendron Festival When: May 17 - 27, 2024, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Where: Heritage Museums & Gardens, Sandwich   Admission: $22/adult; $12/youth (ages 3-17); Free for members and children 2 and under     Each spring, I eagerly anticipate this event on Cape Cod. The Heritage grounds are stunning, with thousands of rhododendrons in full bloom from late May into early June! Plan to spend several hours here, enjoying the expansive gardens, numerous walking trails, and museums showcasing art, American history, and antique automobiles. Children will especially delight in riding the carousel!   Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale   When: May 18, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (or until plants are sold out) Where: Cape Cod Fairgrounds - The Marketplace Building - West Gate, Route 151 & Currier Road, East Falmouth, MA Admission: Free     Looking to enhance your yard, garden, or patio planters with some incredible plants? The Master Gardeners offer a fantastic selection of plants, all lovingly grown in their greenhouses, gardens, and local nurseries. Expect to find native plants, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, perennials, dahlias, and succulents. Additionally, there will be 50 varieties of tomatoes, a great selection of vegetables, and over 100 types of culinary and pollinator herbs, among other offerings! Proceeds from this well-loved annual event go towards supporting the Master Gardeners Association of Cape Cod's scholarship fund and community programs, such as the children's garden, backyard horticulture, and the horticultural hotline. Admission is free, and ample on-site parking is provided at no charge. Arriving early is recommended as this sale tends to attract a large crowd!     Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary Special Events   When: May 19 & May 23, 2024   Where: Mills River Rescue & Sanctuary, River Road, Marstons Mills, MA   Admission: Prices vary by event     Mills River Rescue has two exciting events lined up for May, promising a lively month of activities!   Spring Carnival   - Date: May 19, 2024  - Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.   - Cost: $20 per person (reservations required)       Join us for a delightful family outing to meet our adorable ponies, donkeys, bunnies, ducks, and other rescued animals! The Spring Carnival features magic shows every hour, games with prizes, face painting, a photo booth, balloon animals, and delicious food. Rumor has it that Cape Cod's favorite magical Unicorn will make an appearance too!   Note: Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by texting (508) 367-4379.   Tea Time with the Ponies    - Date: May 23, 2024   - Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.   - Cost: $15 per person (reservations required)           Mills River Rescue presents the 3rd annual "Tea Time with the Ponies," a special event for individuals aged 50 and above. Enjoy quality time with our cherished animals while sipping specialty teas and indulging in fancy desserts. If you have difficulty moving around, don't worry—our friendly ponies will come to you!       Note: Seating is extremely limited, and spaces fill up quickly. Reserve your spot early by calling or texting (774) 353-6557.   Figawi Race Weekend   When: Memorial Day Weekend, May 24 - 27, 2024   Where: Hyannis / Nantucket   Admission: Free for spectators       The annual Figawi Regatta is renowned as one of the top yacht regattas along the east coast. This year marks the 53rd edition of the Figawi Regatta, where teams will once again compete in the race from Hyannisport to Nantucket.   The race's warning signal will be sounded at 9:55 a.m. on Saturday, May 25th. For the best views of the yachts assembling and setting off towards Nantucket, head to Kalmus Beach, Orrin Keyes Beach, or Sea Street Beach. Join us for this thrilling maritime event during Memorial Day Weekend!   West Yarmouth Congregational Church Events   Annual Memorial Day Weekend Plant Sale     When: Thursday, May 23 - Noon until 6:00 PM - Friday, May 24 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM     We continue our tradition of offering a wide variety of plants, grasses, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants. We will also be offering many other items for your yard and garden as well. Come early for the best selection!     Lobster Rolls to Go    When: Saturday, May 25 - 11:00 AM         Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with a great lunch. For only $20 you will get a roll filled with our signature lobster salad, cole slaw, a bag of chips, and a beverage. Doors open at 11:00 AM, see you then!   Brewster Memorial Day Ceremony     The Brewster Memorial Day Celebration is scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2024. At noon, town members, honor guards, school bands, and veterans will gather at the Brewster Council on Aging for a brief ceremony. For more details, please refer to the event flyer below.       Mashpee Memorial Day Weekend Block Party   When: May 25, 2024 - 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Where: Central Square     Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to the summer season! 🏖️ Join us on Saturday, May 25th, from 11 AM – 3 PM for our annual MDW Block Party in Central Square. Enjoy live music performances by Chris LeBeau (11 AM – 1 PM) and Kathleen Healy (1 PM – 3 PM), complimentary balloon twists and face painting, and a chance to paint your own RUSTIC MARLIN block. Capture memories at our MDW balloon photo wall and explore sidewalk shopping with a variety of local vendors (list coming soon). Don’t miss this fun-filled start to summer!   Memorial Day Parades & Ceremonies   When: Monday, May 27, 2024   Where: Various towns and villages across Cape Cod   Admission: Free     Centerville Centerville's Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from South Congregational Church (565 Main St.). The parade proceeds along Main Street and culminates at Memorial Park, where the main remembrance program of the day takes place. Dennis Join the town's Memorial Day Observance ceremony at 10:00 a.m. held at Dennis Village Green, located at the corner of Route 6A and Old Bass River Road. Falmouth, MA Falmouth's annual Memorial Day Ceremony commences at 10:00 a.m. at the Falmouth Main Street Public Library. Bourne, MA May 26, 2024 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Memorial Day Ceremony at Bourne National Cemetery. Parade details to be announced as event gets nearer. Yarmouth Yarmouth's Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at Yarmouth Town Hall in South Yarmouth (1146 Route 28).   Cape Cod ~ A Vacationer’s Paradise     Are you dreaming of a getaway to Cape Cod, the picturesque gem of Massachusetts? Planning the perfect accommodation is a crucial part of turning your vacation into a memorable experience. Look no further – navigating through our collection of properties is a breeze.  Our user-friendly website, www.seashorerentalscapecod.com, allows you to effortlessly explore various options, each accompanied by detailed descriptions and high-quality images. Find the property that speaks to you and fits your vacation vision seamlessly, and book instantly right online.   Nichole Willey & Team   Call/ Text Nichole @ 508.737.3567   Call/ Text Evelynn @ 774.521.5899

May 2024 Cape Cod Real Estate Market Update

from Cape Cod's Favorite Real Estate Pros, Nichole Willey & Team     April 2023 Market Stats for Barnstable County (Video)       "New Listings were up 20.3 percent for single-family homes but were down 1.3 percent for condominium properties. Closed Sales increased 2.8 percent for single-family homes but decreased 16.2 percent for condominium properties.   The Median Sales Price was up 6.1 percent to $809,250 for single-family homes and 16.1 percent to $512,500 for condominium properties. Months Supply of Inventory increased 29.4 percent for single-family units and 21.1 percent for condominium units."   Information provided by The Cape Cod & Islands Association of REALTORS       Nichole Willey & Team are your local real estate experts on Cape Cod & the South Shore! Whether you are looking to buy, sell, invest, or rent- we have a team of passionate, local professionals waiting to help make your real estate goals a reality. Contact us today or schedule a 1:1 consultation.  

Revolutionizing Home Life: The Latest Breakthroughs in Home Technology

  Welcome to the future of housing! In today’s fast-moving society, smart technology is no longer limited to smartphones and computers; it is in our homes and changing the way we live, work and interact in our personal spaces. From intelligent thermostats to automated lighting systems, there seems to be no end to what can be achieved. Let’s uncover some recent discoveries in home technology that are revolutionizing our perception about living areas:   1. Smart Home Security Systems   We no longer need to depend on traditional locks or alarms for securing our homes - those days are gone now. With motion detection features included in them along with live video monitoring options that can be integrated into one’s smartphone; these new-age security systems take care of every possible aspect concerning safety at your home – even while you’re away, be it a few miles, or continents away!   2. Voice-Activated Assistants   Consider the ability to manage every part of your home by just speaking; and this is not a science fiction movie. Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant, among other voice-activated assistants, have made this futuristic dream a reality. They can perform many tasks like adjusting thermostat settings, reminders for taking medication, keeping a running grocery or shopping list, or playing music from your favorite playlists, thereby making home automation more convenient than ever before.   3. Energy-Efficient Appliances    In this day and age where people are becoming more conscious about sustainability, energy-saving appliances are finding their way into many households. These devices such as fridges and washing machines are designed in such a manner that they use less power without compromising on performance levels at all. In addition to helping conserve environmental resources (in other words reducing carbon footprints), these gadgets can also save some bucks off one’s utility bills over time, and there are more options than ever that can connect to apps on your phone for up-to-date notifications and the ability to control aspects from afar.   4. Smart Lighting Solutions   Lighting is vital when it comes down to creating different moods within spaces. With smart lighting systems, you can easily personalize and customize the types of lighting setups throughout your home according to what suits you/ or other occupants the best. For instance, for watching movies at night, you may want dimly lit areas or if hosting dinner parties then you’ll want to brighten up the areas being used. One of my favorites is programmable outside lighting for the gardens and patio – there are so many options! All these things can be done through adjusting brightness levels, colors intensity even timing patterns using a smartphone   5. Home Health Monitoring Devices   Your house is not only a place to sit back and relax; it should also be a haven of health and safety. Devices like air quality sensors and smart thermostats with humidity controls monitor your home’s environment by checking such things as air pollution, humidity levels, temperature and more, allowing you to take better care of yourself and  your home.    In summary, the future holds so much potential for home tech innovation – there no need to wait any longer to start making your home and life easier. From beefing up security systems at home or in office spaces to increasing energy efficiency, there are many ways that people can use various inventions for their benefit, now. If one needs anything done faster during daily routines or just wants them simplified altogether then they should try out some new gadgets designed specifically with these functions in mind. The only thing we need now is smarter homes which can look after us even more than they already do!   Keep an eye out for our What’s Happening Wednesdays for more info on today’s technological advancements that are sure to make your life just that much easier and enjoyable! Click here to see current and past posts and like our page to stay informed on future ones, too! https://www.facebook.com/AboutCapeCodMa?mibextid=LQQJ4d