Pembroke shows its Pride
Rainbows were everywhere in Downtown Pembroke as residents and businesses alike celebrated Pride.
Several activities were held in the city’s core on June 3 and 4, with hundreds of people attending the Pride Festival.
The annual Pride Walk left from Algonquin College that Friday with people of all ages, genders and sexualities making their way through the streets.
The following day, Prince Street was blocked off to allow for face painting, games, drag shows, an aerial show, an obstacle course, vendors and more. Elsewhere in town were a Drag Queen story time, a dog shop pop-up, rainbow boba, and a Drag Show at Janna and Kerry’s Place.
“Everybody here is so happy,” said Jamie Hawes, the founder and lead organizer of Pride Pembroke. “We really can’t ask for more.”
Pembroke Pride has been occurring since 2014. It started slowly with only the Pride Walk. As the years went by, more people came out to show their support, which then grew into a whole festival.
“It’s nice to see that the community is more visible,” said Hawes. “That is the goal.”
Even if people aren’t ready to come out of the closet, it helps to know that there is a supportive community waiting to embrace them with open arms, said Hawes.
He was also thankful for business sponsors and volunteers who made the festival possible.
For more information on upcoming 2sLGBTQ events, activities and activism, please visit www.pembrokepride.com.
Click on an image to enlarge. Photos by Patricia Leboeuf, Petawawa Post.
