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Updated 7am, Saturday, September 13th: The Steinbach Pride Board has decided to postpone today's event. On a social media post, it was indicated that " Due to untimely, urgent and unprecedented circumstances, the Steinbach Pride Board has made the difficult decision to postpone the Steinbach Pride March. This decision was not made lightly and was made taking everyone’s experiences and safety into account. Above all else, our community will always be put first. We’ll share updates as soon as we can. Thank you for your understanding, love, and continued support."
Original article published on September 11, 2024:
Get ready to let your flags fly, Steinbach Pride is back for 2025!
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the community is invited to celebrate individuality, visibility and equality of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.
Come as you are
Chris Plett, president of Steinbach Pride, says the theme of this year is community.
“It’s the whole reason we exist,” Plett says.
“We’re not here to push anything in people’s faces. What we’re here to do is just to support the people in our community.”
He notes the day is very family-friendly, creating a safe space for everyone to be their most authentic selves.
Love is love
“It can be hard,” explains Plett.
Plett has been part of the organization for several years, starting in 2017.
“You get a lot of pushback from people, and that’s okay. People are allowed their opinions, as long as we keep it friendly and we keep the hatred down.”
“We need to take care of ourselves and we need to take care of our community,” he says.
Part of pride
The celebratory day will begin with speeches from local organizations.
“We have somebody speaking from Steinbach Neighbours for Community, and somebody from Band of Colours,” he says.
Plett explains the march will either take place directly on Main Street or on the sidewalk, depending on permits.
Plett says no matter the location of the march, a fun time is guaranteed.
“It becomes quite the party."
The march circles back to the park, where a vendor village will be set up.
The day’s agenda:
Steinbach Pride - Saturday, Sept. 13 at K.R. Barkman Park (meeting in the gazebo)
Rally begins at 1 p.m. with speakers from Steinbach Neighbours for Community and Band of Colours
March to take place following rally on Main Street (exact location to be determined)
Post-march activities, vendors and entertainment to take place at K.R. Barkman Park
“Come down, celebrate, pat somebody on the back, give somebody a hug. It’s all about community,” notes Plett.
Written with files from Corny Rempel and Carly Koop