Prior to a variety of events scheduled to celebrate Pride Week, organizers involved with Powell River Pride plan to kickoff celebrations early by taking part in the 2016 Sea Fair Parade on the morning of Saturday, July 23.
“We are promoting Pride and Pride Week during the parade,” says organizer Ulrich Herl.
In addition to entering a float in the parade, Pride members will also march together as a group. Community members interested in joining the march to show support are invited to show up on parade day at 9 am, one hour before the official 10 am start time. Family and friends of Pride members are invited to take part as well, as is anyone who identifies as LGBTQ2.
“We are having as many people as will walk with us: allies and gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual people from the community,” says Herl.
“Anyone who wants to walk with us, feel free,” adds organizer Kelly Belanger. “Just show up before the parade and we will have a spot for you.”
Belanger has volunteered his truck to act as the base for Powell River Pride’s float entry in the parade. Decorating the vehicle is planned for the early morning hours on parade day, but details regarding the actual design are still being worked out.
“We’ll have some decorations, rainbow flags and other beautiful rainbow bits,” says Herl.
One of the reasons for waiting to create the float is the lack of a suitable location to park the decked-out vehicle before the event. Another is the weather, which is unpredictable.
“We won’t know what it will look like until Saturday morning before the parade,” says Belanger. “We’re brainstorming; we’ll see what we come up with.”
Sea Fair Parade begins on Joyce Avenue at Barnet Street, then follows a route down Alberni Street and along Marine Avenue before coming to a stop at Duncan Street. For more information about the parade, go to powellriverseafair.ca.
Pride Week in Powell River takes place from Monday, August 1, through Sunday, August 7.
Powell River Pride at Sea Fair Parade
When: 10 am, Saturday, July 23
Start: Joyce Avenue at Barnet Street
Finish: Marine Avenue at Duncan Street
Info: facebook.com/prpride
