Fort Saskatchewan Pride Week is back on for 2022.
From Jun. 10-16, various events and activities will take place across the city for Fort Saskatchewan Pride Week, which is now in its fourth year.
"It was just a small group of us. We got together and thought, you know, we could really show our support for the community and hold some educational events and have a celebration," explained Fort Saskatchewan Pride Week committee chair Lauren Reid.
"Our first year was so overwhelmingly wonderful. The support and participation were more than we could ever hope for."
Festivities will kick off on Jun. 10 with a flag-raising at Families First, followed by a proclamation by mayor Gale Katchur and city council.
The following day, a Drag Queen Bingo and Karaoke will be the first in-person event the committee has hosted since COVID-19. Tickets are $10, and the doors will open at 8 p.m. at the Bear's Den.
Throughout the week, workshops will take place in-person and online, where people can hold discussions with kids and community members about the LGBTQ2S+ community and allyship in a rural context.
On Jun. 14, Families First will bring back its "Play Mob" with a pride theme at 6 p.m. at the RCMP Park. Registration is required and can be done through Families First.
"Play Mob is a tradition of Families First, pre-COVID", she explained.
"They would sort of, thought the summer months, take over a playground in Fort Saskatchewan, and they would show up and have activities and prizes and an entire meal."
Inter Pipeline will cater the dinner for the Play Mob event.
The grand finale will take place on Jun. 16 at the Fort Saskatchewan Farmer's Market.
"So we'll have the stage at the farmers market. The farmers market will be a pride-themed market, and all of our partners and organizations will be in attendance there, and we'll have a drag show," Reid continued.
Also, throughout the month of June, a "show your pride" contest encourages businesses and the public to don their best pride gear, displays, and art for a chance to win. Submissions can be sent via social media.
Reid says they will post information on the Fort Saskatchewan Pride Week Facebook page to stay current on their events and dates.