Some highlights during Pride Week in the Battlefords included the rainbow crosswalks and family fun at the Kinsmen Park. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Bigger and better

Pride Week wraps up a success in the Battlefords

Jul 25, 2022 | 5:16 PM

Battlefords Pride wrapped up another successful year of events in the area.

President Bobbisue Thompson said there were more activities during Pride Week in 2022 than in any other years, which she credits to more volunteers and support from sponsors.

Among the highlights of the week was a circus-themed show with jugglers and entertainment under the big top at Kinsmen Park in North Battleford on Saturday. The event also included face-painting, spray tattoos and balloon-making demonstrations.

“The venue in the park was better than what we imagined. It worked out so well,” Thompson said.

The greenspace also offered a spray park for people to cool off in the afternoon.

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In the evening, visitors relaxed, taking in some entertainment from local musicians.

“There were people sitting under the trees listening, and some people in the tent,” Thompson said. “It was a fairly good turnout. It was definitely the best turnout we’ve had so far.”

The actual Pride parade was a little smaller this year with only a handful of vehicles taking part. Participants decided to decorate their cars and trucks and drive through the downtown area of North Battleford this year, instead of walking for a change.

Thompson thanked a representative from the North Battleford Fire Department for providing a parade escort for safety. She noted a couple of passersby caused a potentially unsafe situation by trying to drive past the parade motorcade while it was moving.

“He [the escort] explained to them in no uncertain terms you can’t pass a parade,” Thompson said. “Anytime there are emergency vehicles with flashing lights you can’t be passing. He was a little upset with these people. They were zipping right around, barely missing us. One was looking at their cellphone as they were passing us…It’s a good thing there weren’t any walkers or someone could have been hit.”

Overall, all of the Pride Week events ran smoothly, and saw a positive response from those attending.

Thompson said the Pride committee plans to continue with another circus day at the park next year since it was such a success this time.

“We’re brainstorming to see what we can arrange for next year, something new and exciting to go with it, try to make it bigger and better every year. Of course our emphasis is family-friendly fun. It’s for people to come out and get to know us; that’s our aim.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW