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A young woman flies both the asexual and bisexual flags during the Prince Albert Pride Parade on Saturday. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)
Showing our Pride

Pride in Prince Albert keeps growing, hundreds parade to the park

Jun 11, 2022 | 5:10 PM

Perhaps the most colourful crowd of all time paraded through Prince Albert on Saturday.

The Pride Parade and the ensuing Pride in the Park event each drew crowds of hundreds of people, all wearing or flying bright rainbow colours. After a vehicle caravan drove and honked throughout the city, they picked up more supporters at the Court of Queen’s Bench who walked with the caravan throughout midtown up to the Kinsmen Park for more events. The walking people alone took up more than two blocks’ worth of space, not counting the sets of decked-out cars on either side of them.

“We are so happy with the turnout — this is amazing,” Prince Albert Pride co-chair LJ Tyson said. “This might be our biggest year yet. After a few years of COVID, this is amazing. This is more than we expected.”

The Pride movement and celebrations have grown exponentially in Prince Albert over the years. There were just 50 people attending its parades 10 years ago, which would be a small fraction of Saturday’s impressive turnout.

“We have to thank the community of Prince Albert. I don’t know if they’re coming to show their allyship, I don’t know if they’re coming out to see what’s going on, but they’re here. They’re showing us that they care for us 2SLGBTQ+ community, and that’s the most important part,” Tyson said. “It’s so amazing to see all the people in the park, and all the flags flying.”

Saturday’s events were the biggest of Pride Week. There has been one event a day since last Saturday, including a Safe Spaces Campaign, drumming ceremonies, an art gallery, Queer Coffee meetups, and Gaymer Night. A church service is also planned on Sunday at the Calvary United Church at 10:30 a.m.

“This is all about love, right,” Tyson said. “That’s what we want to spread today in Prince Albert; loving our fellow humans and loving the human race, no matter what circumstances they come from or what their sexual preference is. No matter what gender they identify as, or if they’re non-binary, it’s all just about love.

Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW

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