Kootenay PRIDE thrilled to return with in-person events
By Contributor
Kootenay PRIDE is thrilled to be coming back to the streets, flag poles, museums, parks and plazas in a big way for the first fully in-person events since the shut down in 2020.
The dedicated and busy team of volunteers has been working for months to create a bevy of fun, inclusive, educational, and entertaining events and happenings during the week leading up to the Pride weekend.
There are events of all kinds, to find out more details about any of these head to the Kootenay PRIDE facebook page.
“While postering for Pride on Baker Street this Saturday, we were greeted enthusiastically by every business and they grabbed our posters and handbills eagerly, putting them up almost immediately. Some were already planning their window displays and all were very excited at all the diverse events. It was a heartwarming community welcome back to all of us,” said Micheal Wicks, longtime Kootenay PRIDE volunteer.
Start off the week right by coming to cheer on the flag raising at City Hall on Monday, Aug 29th at 9:30 a.m.
All Week long from Monday, Aug 29th – Monday, Sept 5th Civic Theatre will be running Queer Movies at the main & Shoebox theatre. Check online for movies and times.
On Wednesday, Aug 31st from 5:30 – 8 p.m head to the Nelson Innovation Centre, 91 Baker Street, for Queerdos, Inspiring queer, questioning and curious people to step into their truth and express themselves authentically through Meditation, Art, and Conversation.
Find out more details about this event and all of the events on the Kootenay PRIDE facebook page.
Thursday, Sept 1st at the Nelson Innovation Centre from 5 – 8:30 pm. .‘Queer Games Night’ An evening of casual multiplayer video games and quick tabletop games intended to help us make new friends and connect with other LGBTQIA+ people in our community.
All people ages 12+ welcome. No alcohol will be served at this event. Happening the same day at the Shawn Lamb Archives at Touchstones Nelson Museum, ‘Explore Y(our) Archive/Build the Future’, an interactive participatory DROP IN workshop from 5 – 9 p.m.
Friday, Sept 2nd everyone is invited to the ‘Welcome BBQ & Social’ at the Rotary Shelter at Lakeside Park from 3 – 5 p.m., hosted by Kootenay PRIDE, ANKORS Trans Connect & HIM-health initiative for men.
This all ages event.
Also on Friday, Sept 2nd the ‘Pride Cabaret’ with The Dancing Legs at The Royal. Two seatings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets available online or at The Royal.
On Saturday, Sept 3rd Kootenay PRIDE is super excited to present ‘Rainbow Families’, a free, all age event and BBQ for 2SLGBTQ parents and children. There will be food, face painting, crafts, dance party, Drag story time and more at the Nelson Family Place, 312 Silica St. 1 – 4 p.m.
The public can follow this event up by reliving your prom (the way you want to) with ‘Queer Prom’ at Passmore Hall, 3762 Little Slocan, South Road, Winlaw from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
And Pride week wouldn’t be complete without the spectacular Pride parade on Baker on Sunday, Sept 4th.
Gather at Central School (Wildflower) at 808 Stanley Street to decorate & celebrate and be ready for a 3 p.m. prompt departure to the downtown core. The parade will be ending its run at Hall Street Plaza where it will join the ‘Pride Artists & Services Market’ that has been underway from noon – 5 p.m.
If anyone would like to volunteer as a parade marshall or for any of these events please contact Kootenay PRIDE at nelsonpridevolunteers@gmail.com or reach out on facebook.
The team of volunteers have been working hard and are looking forward to seeing the community come out to support their 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours.
Love Wins.
