Pride Month is finally here and Hope Pride Committee (HPC) is once again inviting the community to help them celebrate with the Hope Pride Festival.
Taking place at both New Hope Cinema and Memorial Park, on June 22, Hope’s second annual Pride Festival promises nothing but fun and good times with tons of events for both kids and adults. Funded and presented by Envision Financial, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., visitors will be able to explore a variety of LGBTQIA2s+ themed events related to art, live music, and cinema.
“The festival is a celebration of being part of the community and just being unapologetically yourself. And just having fun while doing it, said Megan te Boekhorst, the founder of HPC. “And there’s a noticeable difference in the community’s response from last year to this year. And I think that speaks a lot to the importance and impact of the festival. And of decisions, such as council raising the Pride flag this year.
“And when the community takes action and says ‘we welcome diversity and inclusion in this community,’ bigots don’t feel so free anymore to say their hateful views. And another thing I have noticed has been the Hope community itself is pushing back more against (the hate towards the LGBTQIA2S+ community). In one year, it’s completely changed and that gives me so much hope.”
During the day, attendees will be able to participate and view a family friendly Drag Story Hour, two documentary film screenings, a family friendly Drag Show, and a live performance from Maddi Krulicki.
At night, the festival will end with a showing of But I’m A Cheerleader at New Hope Cinema.
The festival will also have a range of vendors, from both the LGBTQIA2S+ community and disabled community, at Memorial Park. Spots are still available and those interested in selling their wares during the event can contact HPC.
HPC are also looking for more volunteers and, again, ask that anyone interested reach out to them via email or Facebook.
