BATTLEFORDS — Battlefords Area Pride is gathering energy to get ready for a week of activities to mark Pride Week in the Battlefords.
The event runs from July 21 to 27.
"Battlefords Area Pride Week has come a long ways in 10 years and there is more work yet to be done," said Battlefords Area Pride secretary Kelly Waters. "It’s exciting to celebrate and socialize, and rainbow things up, but the continued political and societal oppression in our community, province, country and world is real. That it’s our 10th offering of Pride Week demonstrates the commitment of local folks to both celebrate identity and stand up for identity."
Pride Week starts with a warm-up karaoke night and open mic event at the Chapel Gallery patio on July 20, starting at 7 p.m.
Then, on July 21 at 11:30 a.m., there will be a flag-raising 小蓝视频 at City Hall in North Battleford, with free cake to officially launch the week.
On July 22, people can take part in a T-shirt tie-dyeing event from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1102-101st Street.
"We'll have free T-shirts, while supplies last," Waters said. "We'll have all the supplies, or people can bring their own T-shirt."
On July 23 at 5:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy a free swim at the Aquatic Centre.
On July 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., visitors can take part in an evening of board games at the North Battleford Public Library. Then, at 8 p.m., there will be a 19-plus karaoke night at the Big Barrel Tavern in North Battleford.
On July 25, starting at 8:30 p.m., people can attend a 19-plus drag show at the Playhouse Theatre in Battleford. Tickets are available online or directly through Battlefords Area Pride for this event.
The week caps off with an afternoon of fun activities on July 26. The Pride Parade starts at 1 p.m. at the North Battleford Library and ends at Kinsmen Park.
Then, from 2 p.m. until dark, people can take part in the festivities at Pride in the Park in Kinsmen Park, located off 18th Avenue in North Battleford.
The event includes free entertainment, including live music, face painting, vendors, a food truck and airbrush tattoos. The live entertainment runs from 2 to about 8 p.m., with the Northern Prairie Dancers performing at 5 p.m. among the highlights.
