Cheers erupted throughout Quesnel as a pride parade wound its way downtown from City Hall to LeBourdais Park on Saturday, June 11.
Supporters of all ages who were not marching watched in happiness including 6-year-old Lily Gallant wearing rainbow clothing.
Charlie Konopke and Pyper Payne made the drive from Williams Lake where they hope a pride parade will someday take place.
“It’s exciting to be here,” Payne said.
Among the groups joining the Quesnel Pride Society in the parade were the Quesnel District Teachers’ Association, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and the Northern Network of Peers for Equality (NOPE).
Read More: Quesnel Pride Society celebrates volunteers and LGBTQ+ youth
The cheers loudly continued in LeBourdais Park where cotton candy, a photo booth by Telus and pride merchandise was available to purchase. Free reusable pride bags and coffee was provided by the South Quesnel Business Association.
Before music by DJ Riki Rocket got underway Quesnel Pride Society president Alison Prentice addressed the crowd.
“As I said at the beginning of the year our theme is we are not invisible and we sure are visible today in the downtown core with our parade,” Prentice said, adding they were thrilled with the turnout and that the Quesnel Pride Society had some amazing sponsors this year.
“Congratulations everyone.”
Telus community and service excellence manager for the Cariboo Chilcotin, Julia Dillabough also presented a $2,000 donation on behalf of Telus to the Quesnel Pride Society.
A Quesnel Pride Parade after-party was later held at The Occidental.
Read More: PHOTOS: 50 years of LGBTQ pride showcased in protests, parades
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
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