With nine days of planning remaining for several events taking place during the first week of August, preparations for Pride Week in Powell River are now in full swing.
While Pride parades, marches and festivals are scheduled throughout the summer months in communities across Canada and throughout the world, for Powell River Pride, the organization behind Pride Week, now is its time to shine.
Local Pride events and celebrations run from Monday, August 1, through Sunday, August 7.
“This is the first year we have a full-on committee,” says Kelly Belanger, one of Powell River Pride Week’s organizers.
Prior to 2016, each Pride event was put together separately by volunteers. For the fifth annual Pride Week in Powell River, however, the entire schedule is organized by the same group.
Featured events include Pride at the Art Wall from 7-9 pm Wednesday, August 3, on Arbutus Street near the Old Courthouse Inn. Everyone is invited to join a painting project with the theme of Pride as its main focus.
“We are inviting all artists and anyone who wants to come out and paint on the wall as part of Pride celebrations and inclusion,” says Belanger. “Just bring lots of colours and help paint the wall.”
Later that evening, a film night featuring a screening of the movie Viva takes place at Patricia Theatre. Doors open at 9:30 pm; the movie starts at 10 pm.
“It is a Cuban film; a coming-of-age story,” says Ulrich Herl, also a member of the organizing team. “It is something a little lighthearted and a little fun.”
Film night admission is $10. Beverage options, including beer and wine, will be available for guests to enjoy while taking in the movie.
A Time to Remember is the theme for two memorial events taking place on Thursday, August 4. Both are new additions to the Pride Week schedule for 2016.
At 4 pm, remembrance ribbons will be placed on the fence along Manson Avenue at Larry Gouthro Park. “It is for anybody you want to remember,” says Herl. “We will supply ribbons as well.”
“It is our memorial day,” adds Belanger. “We’re encouraging everyone to come in memory of past LBGTQ2 members who have passed away, in memoriam for them.”
A moon-bag floatilla at Willingdon Beach later that evening is specifically dedicated to the 49 victims killed last month at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
The moon bags, made from cedar shakes, paper bags and tea lights, will be placed in the water at around 9:30 pm.
“We are going to be there at high tide,” says Belanger. “We light them and send them out in memory of our fallen brethren.”
On Friday, August 5, an all-ages, substance-free dance featuring a DJ is being hosted from 7-11 pm at Cranberry Community Hall, 6828 Cranberry Street. Tickets are available at the door only and entry is by donation; Powell River dollars will be accepted.
A free family beach party on Saturday, August 6, spans the afternoon and early evening from 12-7 pm at Willingdon Beach. While specific plans are still being finalized, entertainment features are expected to include games and music for all ages, an open mic and a variety of food vendors.
“We’re hoping to have some entertainment on stage and a dunk tank,” says Herl. “We will have volleyball, too, and lots of different activities.”
Also on August 6, Mina Mercury’s Drag Show will take to the stage at That Sugar Vault, 4871 Joyce Avenue.
“I’ve seen many, many drag queens,” says Herl. “Nina is very good at engaging and playing to the crowd. If a crowd is tough, she can work her magic.”
Doors open for the adult-themed night of entertainment at 7 pm. “Special guests will also be performing; Mina is the headliner,” adds Herl.
Wrapping up a week of activities is Mad Hatters High Tea, which takes place at Edie Rae’s Cafe in Townsite at 4 pm Sunday, August 7; doors open at 3:30 pm. Only 30 tickets are available for this function; admission is $30.
“It’s going to be quite a filling high tea,” says Belanger.
Tickets for the film night and high tea are available at Edie Rae’s, Powell River Peak and Earth Inspirations Pottery’s booth at Powell River Farmers’ Market. Kaleidoscope Collective has tickets for movie night as well.
For more information about Pride Week events, go to facebook.com/prpride.
