Castlegar's first-ever Gay Pride event slated for Aug. 30
By Kyra Hoggan
Castlegar will be hosting the city’s first-ever Gay Pride event at the Element Aug. 30, according to organizer Daniel Ellis, and at least one city councillor is firmly supporting the endeavour.
Ellis said business and individuals have already shown tremendous support, donating quality items and gift certificates for raffles and door prizes, and all proceeds will go to the youth group Outlet, run out of Freedom Quest, for youth who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender.
He said the event will begin at 10 p.m. and will feature Poi fire dancers, singers and a burlesque show.
“We wanted to see what we could do in Castlegar to make ours different from Noleson,” he said, adding Nelson has a weekend-long Gay Pride celebration on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 and 2, culminating with a parade on Sept. 2 at 3 p.m. along Baker Street.
“Our purpose was really just to bring knowledge that there are gay people within our community, and that there’s a youth group available here and in Nelson,” he said. “We’re proud to have such an excellent venue for our event.”
He said each person who comes in will be given a ticket for the raffle items, but more can be purchased if you want to increase your chances of winning.
Tickets will be $10 in advance (available at the Element in Castlegar, JJ’s Fashions in Trail or Otters Books in Nelson) or $15 at the door.
City councillor Deb McIntosh said the event is way past her bed time, but she plans on making an appearance anyway.
“We attend all sorts of events supporting all sorts of groups – why wouldn’t we participate in this one?” she said. “We should celebrate the diversity of our residents at every opportunity.”
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