Dozens took to the streets for the 2018 Pride Walk in North Battleford. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Tyler Marr

PRIDE

Despite ‘sad surprise’ of Edmonton pride cancellation, Battlefords Pride hopes to grow on success

Apr 15, 2019 | 5:04 PM

Citing the “current political and social environment,” the Edmonton Pride Festival was cancelled by its board of directors last week.

But the organizers behind Battlefords Pride Week have no plans on holding back and actually want to grow on their recent success.

Calling the news from the Alberta capital a “sad surprise,” Kelly Waters, a key organizer with Battlefords Pride, said the group once again hopes to paint rainbow crosswalks in both communities, hold a flag raising and family-friendly events, such as another street festival.

In a letter posted to on the Edmonton Pride Festival Society’s website, the board said the goal is always to host a safe event encompassing of the entire community — something the society says is not attainable this year.

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“It has been determined that any attempt to host a festival will not be successful,” they wrote.

But for Waters, the case is not quite the same in the Battlefords.

“There was some pushback from local people not in support of Pride last year but also much support from both the LGBTQ community and allies,” she said. “Education moves support of diversity forward which is why we are very excited to be planning this summer’s Pride Week.”

The event is slated for Aug. 19 to 25. Pride Week in 2018 included a number of activities, including a walk at Central Park. Other events included a free midnight movie screening of Love, Simon at the Capital Theatre.

Watching from afar, Dan Shier, co-chair of Queen City Pride, hopes the LGBTQ community in Edmonton still finds a way to unite.

“I hope, in light of the recent events in Edmonton, that their different communities will acknowledge what happened and will have some sort of parade or procession,” he said. “I encourage everyone to try and see all the other perspectives — to prioritize love and understanding and empathy.”

— with files from CJME

—

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr