Battlefords Pride Day started with a small gathering in Central Park followed by a Pride walk through the downtown area on Saturday. Participants followed COVID-19 precautions in place throughout the day. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Battlefords Pride follows COVID-19 precautions for Saturday’s celebration

Aug 23, 2020 | 9:01 AM

Waving rainbow flags in the wind, a small but dedicated group took to the streets for the annual Pride Parade in downtown North Battleford Saturday.

Many of the participants donned masks and socially distanced as part of the province’s COVID-19 precautions.

Mayor Ryan Bater also participated to show his support.

“It’s a beautiful day,” he said. “I’m glad we’re able to get together under these circumstances and still show the people of this community just how we celebrate diversity, how we celebrate uniqueness, and how we celebrate everybody being who they want to be in North Battleford.”

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The afternoon included a barbecue fundraiser, music provided by a sound system and a socially-distanced outdoor salsa dancing lesson in Central Park, by Vivian Blais, a local dance instructor.

Battlefords Pride president Bobbisue Thompson said due to the pandemic situation, it is understandable there would be a smaller turnout for the Pride Day walk this year. However, continuing the tradition to recognize Pride in the Battlefords was “one of the got-to-do things” for Thompson.

A ticketed, aged 19-plus Drag Show is planned for she-NANIGANS performance venue on Aug. 26, with limited attendance permitted for the venue to comply with the COVID-19 regulations.

On Aug.19 Battlefords Pride participated in a flag-raising ceremony outside city hall, to install what is known as the Progress Pride Flag to mark Pride Week. This flag is an adaptation of the rainbow flag, to also recognize the transgender community, marginalized LGBT communities of colour, those who have died from HIV/AIDS, and individuals living with AIDS.

“It’s quite inclusive as I feel a community should be, and certainly our organization will always be,” Thompson said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @OCoureurDesBois