The fourth annual Huron County Pride Festival will celebrate progress and provide momentum for the future.
Organizers of Huron County Pride Week have planned a week full of events starting at 6 p.m. on June 2 with crafts at Seaforth Library followed by a documentary screening at the Huron County Museum in Goderich at 2 p.m. on June 3.
Later in the week, residents can take part in a tie-dye night at at 5 p.m. in the MacNaughton Park Pavilion in Exeter. Then there is a Pride-themed trivia competition at Bad Apple Brewing at 7 p.m. in Zurich, with the main Pride Festival taking place June 6.
Chairperson Rev. Alex Jebson explained that their goal was to expand this year.
"Our Festival on the Saturday, we've moved it to a new location, Lion's harbor Park in Goderich to have a bit more space. With our pride events throughout the week, we're covering a greater area of the county than ever," Jebson added. "To make sure that every part of the county is represented in the celebration."
On Sunday, June 7, there will be two inclusive worship services will be led by Rev. Alex Jebson, who is minister at Brussels and Blyth United Churches at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. respectively. There will also be a Bayfield River Valley Trail Association Pride Walk starting at at the pavilion in Clan Gregor Square at 11 a.m. for a walk along the Heritage Trail.
More than 1,500 people took part in last year’s celebrations, and they’re expecting another strong turnout as the festival continues to grow across the region.
"We're just very appreciative of the way that the community has supported us in the past couple of years and we're looking forward to another fantastic festival," he added.
Jebson pointed out that the theme, Pride Through the Ages, highlights their history, challenges, and achievements, while encouraging continued progress toward inclusion.
"Locally, and further afield, there's legislation that is threatening our trans siblings. there are still some misconceptions and some attitudes that need to be addressed," he stressed. "Part of this Pride Through the Ages, is recognizing the work that has been done, and inspiring our work to go forward into the future."
Every event is open to the public and designed to bring people together in fun, meaningful, and inclusive ways.
