Organizers are busy making plans for the Battlefords Pride Week festivities coming up in August. Last year's Pride parade was a popular draw in the community. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Pride celebration 2019

Organizers planning for annual Pride Week festivities

May 30, 2019 | 1:36 PM

Rainbows will light up the Battlefords this summer as the annual Pride Week celebration kicks off once again.

The event will run from Aug. 19 to 25, with parade day in North Battleford set for Saturday, Aug. 24 in the afternoon.

Battlefords Area Pride organizing committee member Kelly Waters said the group is looking forward to another exciting week of events. She added it’s important for the Battlefords to continue to show its support for the LGBTQ+ community and promote diversity.

“I often hear and read comments by local people demonstrating a lack of understanding,” she said. “Some folks resist understanding, and some just need more support through education.”

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Waters believes the community is becoming more inclusive as a whole however, as pride week continues to grow in the Battlefords.

“I do see more and more LGBTQ+ community members of all ages and demographics being comfortable identifying publicly,” she added. “I also see more allies voicing displeasure of intolerance. This is wonderful progress to build upon.”

Similar to many other communities across Canada, last year the event organizers and volunteers painted two rainbow crosswalks on 100 Street in North Battleford and across the street from the town hall in Battleford.

Waters said they will create a new rainbow crossing in North Battleford this year as part of their plans to continue the trend.

The celebratory week will commence with pride flag-raising ceremonies in North Battleford and Battleford.

Other activities, including family-friendly events, and music in the park will be available. A downtown street celebration is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 24. Guest speakers will deliver a pride-themed presentation on Aug. 25.

For something new this year, Waters said the committee is attempting to organize a family-friendly drag show, similar to those held in Saskatoon, and are looking into a drag show Bingo game.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow