With the planning stage nearly complete, Powell River Pride Society is ready to host a week of events highlighting 2018 Pride Week in Powell River. Society member Jeff Leggat says the celebrations continue to grow and involve more members of the community.
“Pride Week has been going on for several years here, but we have been ramping it up and making it more community friendly over the last three years,” says Leggat. “The week focuses on participation and being family friendly; we try to be all-inclusive to have everybody come out to enjoy events.”
A fun sing-along and movie screening kicks off the week at 1 pm on Sunday, August 12, at the Patricia Theatre.
“Families and individuals come and dress up for a sing-along to Mary Poppins,” says Leggat. “It’s kind of like a Rocky Horror Picture Show kind of theme; everyone participates in it.”
An official flag raising ceremony takes place at 12 pm the following day at city hall with mayor Dave Formosa, Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicolas Simons and dignitaries from Tla’amin Nation on hand.
“It has become a tradition over the past few years,” says Leggat.
On Wednesday, August 15, the society hosts an all ages free community barbecue at Sycamore Commons in Townsite at 5:30 pm. In addition to food and refreshments, several fun activities are planned for the evening.
Pride Week wraps up on Friday, August 17, with a presence at the Blackberry Street Party, followed by the always popular Pride Divas Drag Show at McKinney’s Pub in Townsite.
“We will have a table at Blackberry Festival with Pride swag, an LGBTQ2 survey and much more,” says Leggat. “The drag show is always fun with Vancouver performers coming up for the night.”
Performers include Mina Mercury, Myria Le Noir and Sienna Blaze. Tickets are available at Townsite Brewing, The Old Courthouse Inn and McKinney's; doors open at 9 pm with the show starting at 10:30 pm.
Leggat says people who attend the drag show are welcome to dress up and that being colourful is big this year.
“Come in crazy outfits or come in drag, the more colourful the better,” says Leggat. “There are no restrictions.”
Leggat adds that the entire community is welcome to participate in all events throughout the week.
“You don't have to be gay or know anyone who is gay,” he says. “Just come out, bring the family and enjoy the festivities with us.”
2018 Pride Week
When: Sunday, August 12, to Friday, August 17
Where: Various locations
Information: facebook.com/prpride
