It was a rainbow celebration for inclusivity and love over the weekend.
The Lakeland Pride Festival, hosted by the Lakeland LGBTQ2+ committee, brought the community together at Kinosoo Beach on Saturday, July 6.
”It was just to really show that we’re inclusive,” explained Ada Andrzejewska, board chair for Lakeland LGBTQ2+ Pride.
The beach was a flurry of colour as allies and members of the local LGBTQ2+ community attended the event.
Organizers were blown away by the turnout.
”We’re very thankful for everyone who showed up,” exclaimed Lisa Periard, vice chair for Lakeland LGBTQ2+ board. “To come together like this as a community, and it was really great to see everybody’s smiling faces.”
Andrzejewska noted the importance of letting everyone know of the resources that are available in the Lakeland.
”It’s so powerful for a lot of people that feel alone or unsafe in the community to see just how many people are here to support them and meet people that are like you, especially in a small community,” she expressed. “Sometimes you feel alone, I’ve heard a lot of comments from youth and other people that say, ‘this is the first queer person I’ve ever met.’ It’s really powerful, and that’s what we were there to show.”
Jenna Stockley attended the festivities because she believes it’s vital for events like the Pride Festival to be held locally.
”It’s a really good cause, and it’s starting a conversation with people, especially in smaller towns and communities, that everybody should feel accepted and loved for who they are and any partner they choose in life,” she said.
Along with games and activities set-up along the beach, local vendors and booths were there to provide information and swag for those interested. The 4 Wing Band was also in attendance, serenading festival-goers.
A few weeks ago, the City of Cold Lake raised the rainbow Pride flag at city hall to show they’re allies for the community.
Mayor Craig Copeland said, “We’re just happy to help out as best we can to get the awareness, get everybody supporting Cold Lake, and respecting everybody on their sexual orientation.”
With the success of this event, attendees discussed the possibility of more in the future.
”I really hope that it grows bigger and bigger, and more people come out, support it, and show their interest in it,” expressed Stockley.
According to Andrzejewska, all of the proceeds raised from the festival will go towards bringing more activities to the area, such as bingo with drag queens.
