A family-friendly party as part of Powell River Pride Week celebrations will combine music and fun activities Saturday at Willingdon Beach. Powell River Pride Festival, which runs 12-7 pm at the beach, promises to be bigger and better than previous years, according to one of Powell River Pride Week’s organizers, Tamara McIntee.
“It’s a great event for the family and great for music lovers,” says McIntee. “It’s so important to raise awareness about accepting people who love freely in whatever way they choose.”
The festival will feature food vendors, a photo booth, splash tank and more. Opening ceremonies begin at noon with a welcoming from dignitaries and then an eclectic lineup of live music and DJs follows.
“It’s going to be musical and colourful and fun for everybody,” says McIntee. “One of the reasons this event is so exciting is it is bringing more people out of the closet and into the streets every year.”
The music lineup includes Boom Taka hand-drumming circle led by Chris Weekes, DJ Athletic (Adam Cramb), DJ Adanak (Adrian Murray) and an acoustic jam hosted by McIntee and Herman Jensen. Of special note is East Kootenay-based DJ/spoken word duo Universal Fallout, who recently played Diversity Festival on Texada Island. As well, local indie dream rockers Texture & Light has offered to perform.
“We’re not only excited but proud to be involved in such an important and positive event,” said Texture & Light’s multi-instrumentalist Trevor Mervyn (who goes by the stage name Trevor Refix).
McIntee said Pride organizers hope some of those who attend the Pride Festival at the beach on Saturday continue the party and head to the drag show beginning 7 pm at That Sugar Vault.
The purpose of the outdoor beach event, as well as an all-ages dance 7 pm Friday night at Cranberry Community Hall, is to include the younger generation in Pride festivities, she said.
“It’s essential that this event is family-friendly,” says McIntee. “It’s so important to show the younger generation that they can be open to who they want to love, and they don’t have to fit into a stereotype. It’s a place for all orientations to come together.”
Powell River Pride Festival
When: 12-7 pm, Saturday, August 6
Where: Willingdon Beach
Price: Free
Info: facebook.com/prpride
