Nelson about to celebrate Kootenay Pride
By Nelson Daily Staff
The event that started as a parade has ballooned into a full blown celebration of Kootenay Pride.
“Pride has become more mainstream all over the world, thanks in part to more progressive media and people being exposed to all kinds of lifestyles,” said Dan Ellis of the Kootenay Pride 2014 weekend that runs from Friday to Monday (August 29 to September 1).
“Marriage equality has probably brought more of an audience to Pride, but really it’s just about people becoming more enlightened.”
The weekend kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. with the Kootenay Pride Meet & Greet at Finley’s in Nelson.
Ellis said $15 gets people a burger and beer, with proceeds going to the Kootenay Pride Society our main fundraiser for the year.
From Finley’s, there will be a Big Gay Bus going out to Castlegar at 9:30 p.m. sharp and returning at 2:30 a.m.
Ellis said this is the third year the Element Night Club is playing host to the Friday night party, which features burlesque legend Judith Stein, as well as performances from Beau Creep and Holly von Sinn.
The weekend continues Saturday beginning with the ever-popular Pride Coffee House at Expressions Cafe (Nelson) starting things off at noon followed by the roller derby girls’ scrimmage Vagina Slamologues at the former Extra Foods Building at 4 p.m.
After that, a play reading called Visiting Mr. Green will be put on back at Expressions at 7:30 p.m.
The big event of the night happens at Hume Hotel Spiritbar. The annual drag show, Hot Divas and Cool Queens.
This event features talent from all over Western Canada, such as Jackie A Go-Go, Vera Way, Ryder Goode, Salem Suicide, Beau Creep, Holly von Sinn, all hosted by the incomparable Mz. Conni Smudge.
Sunday, the 18th Annual Kootenay Pride Parade highlights the day.
Parade begins at Cottonwood Falls Park and runs up Baker Street to Hall Street.
The parade is followed by a “family friendly” street party.
“Well, everyone “does” love a parade, but I think people realize it’s great to come and support organizations and ideals that matter to them,” Ellis explained when asked of the popularity of the main-street event.
“Pride is about acceptance and unity, and I think people know no matter what, it’ll be a great time.”
Thanks to this being Labour Day weekend, complete with holiday Monday, the festivities conclude with famous Mimosa Monday event at The Hume’s Library room at 11 a.m, or as Ellis puts it, “until everyone is ready to collapse!”
