Some of the items available at the Battlefords Pride auction fundraiser on now. (Facebook/Battlefords Pride)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Fifth Annual Pride Week

Battlefords Pride auction fundraiser on now; gearing up for Pride Week

Aug 3, 2021 | 5:27 PM

Battlefords Pride is hoping to raise funds to support Pride Week activities through their annual online auction, on now until Friday, Aug. 13.

Listings of items available are shown on the Battlefords Pride Facebook Page.

Organizers continue to receive more donations to benefit the auction.

The local group also has now confirmed all the activities taking place during Pride Week in the Battlefords, now in its 5th year. The event runs from Aug. 16 to 22, and includes the annual Pride Parade.

While many communities across Canada celebrate Pride in June during Pride Month, many smaller communities such as the Battlefords choose to celebrate at a different time so more people will still be able to attend Pride events in larger cities such as Saskatoon.

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“Pride is really important to everybody in Saskatchewan who are part of Pride organizations,” said Kelly Waters with the local Battlefords Pride organizing committee. “If smaller communities or smaller cities have Pride events at the same time, people have to make a choice then, [saying] ‘Do I go into Saskatoon, Edmonton or Calgary, or do I support the stuff at home.’ [We] did not want to force people to make that choice.”

She said the aim is to not compete with other Pride organizations but instead “support each other.”

To those who say Pride Week is not needed, she says it still has an important role in the community.

“I know so many people who feel unsafe being who they are, afraid they will lose their family and friends, and afraid they will be at risk,” Waters said. “This is not done. We are a long ways from done. So they need those numbers in Saskatoon. We need those numbers here. We don’t want people to have to choose which location they go to show their support. We want them to have the option of both.”

She said that is typical of many smaller communities across Saskatchewan where Pride events continue throughout July and August, not just in the Battlefords.

Pride Week events

Here is the list of confirmed activities for the Battlefords Pride festivities coming up.

Monday, August 16, flag-raising ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at North Battleford City Hall. Those attending can enjoy a free piece of the Battlefords Pride cake that will be cut during the event. Then, at 8 p.m. a fun get-together trivia and games night takes place at the Downstairs Bar and Grill, beside Porta Bella Restaurant.

Tuesday, August 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. organizers are planning a Karaoke night at the gazebo in Lion’s Park in downtown Battleford.

Wednesday, August 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. people are invited to attend a family-friendly bowling night at Gutters Bowling And Game Centre, with admission by donation.

Thursday, August 19, from 3 to 4 p.m. a stylist workshop will be held at the North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) cafeteria. Those interested in taking part are asked to apply in advance. Then, at 7 p.m. also at the NBCHS cafeteria, a family-friendly drag show is planned. Any donations will be accepted at the door.

Friday, August 20, organizers plan to screen the film “But I’m a Cheerleader” at the Capital Theatre. Once again, admission is by donation.

Saturday, August 21, from 12 to 1 p.m. Pride is holding a Diversity Vigil at Central Park near the Public Library in North Battleford, with guest speakers advocate Jack Saddleback and spoken word artist Janelle Pewapsconias. Then, from 1 to 2 p.m. an event called “Drag Queen Story-Time With Celine” is planned. After that, starting at 2 p.m. the Pride Parade will begin. People are invited to walk, bike or join the parade route in their decorated vehicles to celebrate Pride. The day finishes with a special event at 7 p.m. at the Frontier Mall Parking Lot called the YXE Drag Collective Drive-In “Drag Me to Saskatchewan Tour.” Tickets are available online.

Pride Week finishes with a Garden Party Extravaganza event on Sunday, August 22, in the lawn area behind the Chapel Gallery in North Battleford. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. opening remarks are planned, followed by family activities from 2 to 8 p.m. Festivities also include live entertainment, Big Top Circus Tent fun, and a number of vendor booths to visit.

Since the province’s COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted, the Battlefords Pride group are able to hold more events this year for the celebratory week. The group are still following some precautions, such as having hand-sanitizer available at stations at events.

Waters said there has been a good response from the business community and organizations this year offering to help sponsor Pride Week activities, which has been a great help.

The Pride group is still looking for more volunteers. Anyone wanting to assist, especially on Sunday, August 22, can contact Battlefords Pride via their Facebook Page.

Crosswalk painting

Coming up in Battleford, the Rainbow Crosswalk painting will tak place in front of the town hall at 6:30 p.m., Monday, August 9.

In North Battleford, the Rainbow Crosswalk painting is planned for Sunday, August 8 starting around 10 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, in front of the public library.

“Anybody is welcome to come help,” Waters said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow