Dorchester Day— observed each year on the first Sunday of June— is now only three weeks away (June 7). But the Dot Day season really kicks off, unofficially, with the Taste of Dorchester event held each year to support Mass Affordable Housing Alliance.
The “Taste” launches a series of Dot Day-adjacent events that offers a bit of fun for people of all ages. Here’s a brief rundown:
Last month, the parade committee unveiled a new parade logo to succeed the longtime “Parade Guy” character that has been used for the last twenty-plus years. The logo by Katyann Farrar Sullivan— which resembles a drum major in the form of a rainbow gas tank mascot—is getting good reviews so far.
There are four candidates vying in the honorary “Mayor of Dorchester” contest, which helps to fund the parade each year. Brian Sullivan, Shirley Jones, Lisa Searcy, and Katie Nolan are each holding events and creating buzz online to help collect donations, all of which go to help pay for bands and other assets for parade day. The winner— the one who raises the most— will succeed Bridget McDonough, last year’s winner, who hauled in more than $10,500 to earn the title.
A new competition for younger residents is also underway: Junior Mayor of Dorchester— or DotMVPJr. for short. It is open to all kids 17 and under who likewise compete to raise funds for the parade. Go to dotdayparade.org for more info.
A Dot Day themed essay contest for middle school students sponsored by The Reporter received submissions through last week. Winners will be announced on May 8.
The parade committee has selected Richard Dobbyn Sr.to serve as the 2026 Chief Marshal. A proud Dorchester resident since 1952, Rich is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam in 1968–1970 and was the commander of St. Mark’s VFW post…. Dorchester Reporter co-founder and publisher emeritus Ed Forry will be honored by the parade committee with its Legacy Award. Both men will be honored at the parade’s banquet on the Thursday (June 4) before the parade and will ride in place of honor on June 7.
The Little Miss & Young Miss Dorchester Contest, set for Sat., May 16, at 2 p.m. at St. John Paul School’s Columbia Road campus, is open to Dorchester girls ages 7–9 (Little Miss) and 10–12 (Young Miss). The contest requires participants to submit a photo and answer a selected question in advance, with applications due by May 8. Go to the parade’s Instagram page for a link to apply.
Dorchfest, the popular porch-fest styled music festival in Ashmont-Adams, is set for Sat., June 6, from 1 to 6 p.m. The event draws thousands of music fans and revelers to the beautiful section of the neighborhood than fans off from Carruth Street near Ashmont station. It’s free, but the organizers are asking for more volunteers and sponsors, since the bands do get paid for their time. Go to dorchfest.com for more info.
On parade day itself, the Dot Day 5K, organized by Pioneers Run Crew, starts at noon from The MIX on Talbot Avenue and follows an out-and-back route along Dorchester Avenue. Keep an eye on their social media channels— pioneersrc on Instagram— for registration details.
All of it culminates on Sun., June 7, when the 120th Dorchester Day Parade steps off at 1 p.m., moving along Dorchester Avenue from Lower Mills to Savin Hill. There’s still time to sign-up to participate and sponsor. See you there!
