After a successful first event, the Pride Parade is returning to the Comox Valley this August.
Put together by Queer Culture and Comox Valley Pride, the parade focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ community by having businesses, individuals, organizations and charities take part in a walk down 5th Street.
With last year’s parade being the very first one, Queer Culture member Kathleen Pitt says they’re very excited for this year.
“We had such a wonderful time last year, so much support, so many people turned out,” said Pitt.
Pitt says for that first parade, there was a lot to do as they never held one before. After being given the ok to hold it, they sent out applications, where they were met with excitement from community members who wanted to be a part of it.
She says what motivated them to run it again was when she was riding her scooter during the event.
“I remember thinking, “you have to look back, don’t forget to look back” when I hit Cliffe Avenue, and I looked behind me and there was like a thousand people following me,” said Pitt.
“The feeling of accomplishment, and community, just everybody coming together and showing love for all of us was really amazing, and then we knew that we had the right thing.”
This event will be one of multiple happening that weekend, with Pride in the Park happening at Simms Millenium Park.
She says while they hold events that are 19 plus, the parade will be for all ages, and they encourage you to be yourself, but amplified.
The parade will run on Saturday August 24, starting at noon.
