It’s been called the most successful Peace Pride event ever.
Peace River Mayor Tom Tarpey walking town Main Street with the Peace Pride sign on Saturday. (Photo/Autumn Hulme)
The 7th Annual event took place over the weekend, which started with a meet-and-greet at Peace River’s Rock-&-Bowl on Friday, June 9, 2017, followed by the Parade itself at 12 PM on Saturday, June 10 at Peace River’s Downtown area.
Peace River Mayor Tom Tarpey, who served as the parade’s Grand Marshall, says there’s been lots of strides made in regards to the issue of LGBTQ2+ rights.
“I just think to where I grew up in the 1970s,” said Tarpey. “And look where we are now. We as a society have grown from leaps and bounds. It’s a celebration of acceptance, it’s a celebration of human rights, and I think we should all recognize that LGBTQ2+ rights are human rights, and they are indistinguishable from one another.”
This is the second time that Tarpey’s lead the Peace Pride parade, having done so for the first time back in 2014.
“I understand that if you become Grand Marshall five times, you get a rainbow coloured blazer,” he joked. “At least that’s what I’ve been told. I think it’s a pun on those who host Saturday Night Live five times or more getting a blazer.”
Peace River Pride Society Chairperson Angie Makrakos says they were really pleased with all the participation in this year’s parade.
Local resident Marlee Mines struts around Java Domain during Saturday’s fashion show. (Photo/Peace River Broadcasting)
“I’m also happy with the turnout for this year,” said Makrakos. “I think this is our biggest crowd yet this year. I’d like to estimate that there were probably between 100 to 150 out on the street, so every year, it’s getting bigger and better.”
Makrakos says this is the first year that they’ve had it’s as a three-day event.
“We’re adding more events slowly as the years come on,” she said.
This year, they did a brunch at the Belle Petroleum Centre’s Tapas Room on Sunday, June 11, which charged $13.99 per person.
Also on the Saturday, goers were once again treated to a free movie at the River City Cinema, which saw a turnout of about 36 people. The movie was called “Moonlight,” which showed the story of a young man at various stages in his life, where he dealt with prejudice in a low-income neighbourhood, both for being black and for being gay.
And then later on into the evening, a fashion show took place at Java Domain. Some models showed off some of the latest trends from Sweet Peas Clothing, and owner Joan Setz introducing each of the models as they walked around the store.
– Posted by BET
