Parts of downtown Prince George near the Civic Centre and City Hall will be closed to traffic on Saturday (July 13) morning for Prince George’s 27th annual Pride Parade.
Frederick Lawal, the Vice President of the Prince George Pride Society, told My PG Now the parade “is an opportunity for folks who are queer or trans in the community to be visible and celebrate themselves, and for allies to show up and show their support.”
Last year’s parade saw well over a thousand people take part in either marching through the street or watching from the sideline – this year Lewal expects fewer people because of the parade’s short notice.
In a previous interview, Pride Society President CJ Klitch explained “It was discovered in May that Pride would not be happening, so a bunch of us stepped up, joined the board, and in eight weeks we planned pride.”
Lawal said the parade “is really important for visibility, especially during this time where the queer community is experiencing a lot of targeted hate. I think it is important to be that beacon of hope and inclusivity for not just Prince George but the northern region.”
“We still don’t have full inclusion and acceptance in society at large. Until we have that, pride is still necessary,” he said.
Saturday’s parade starts at 10:00 from Canada Games Plaza and will loop from Quebec Street to 4th Avenue, then down George Street and back to City Hall.
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