With all of the massive Pride events around the world it is pretty fantastic that our own Jasper is host to Canada’s only Pride event in any Canadian National Park.  Jasper Pride has been going strong since its inception in 2010, and by the look of things, 2015’s festival Wicked White Winter may in fact be the best year yet.

"There is so much to do during the weekend that we had to extend it to an additional day," says Jorg Michel, Marketing Director for Jasper Pride. Each of these now four days – from March 19^th to 22^nd – is chock-full of as many diverse events as there are attendees.

"Of course we still have our ever-successful skiing event, but we have also included so many other events," Michel says. "We are so excited to offer... dog sledding and ice hiking exclusively to Pride attendees." Take a quick glance at the website and you are guaranteed to find at least one event that heightens your curiosity. Stay warm sledding, karaoking, watching burlesque, or dancing the night away while drinking Jasper Pride’s exclusive ale.

One event not to be missed happens on Friday, March 20th.  Jasper Pride will launch its own exclusive beer: Wicked White Weissbeir. This unique addition to the festival is not only brewed locally (by John Palko of Jasper’s own Brewing Pub), but proceeds from the sales go right back to the Jasper Pride Society.

To cap off the weekend, the historic Fairmont Jasper Lodge will play host to the largest Pride event of the weekend, the Wicked White Winter Party. This will be Jasper’s first ever white themed party, and will be hosted by Mike Chalut from 91.7 The Bounce and Toni Lester Van Blam. Guests are encouraged to dress up in all their wicked winter white finest and enjoy the evening alongside performers such as Guys in Disguise and Capital Burlesque. There will also be a silent auction with remarkable items such as train rides, dinners and two tickets to see Maroon 5 live.

Every year the weekend’s attendance has grown from mostly locals to equal parts locals and guests. When the current governance took over, from the group that created the original Jasper Pride organization, there was much anticipation as to how successful Jasper Pride could be.

"Last year we welcomed about 450 attendees, with a large portion of out-of-towners. I am expecting us to top that this year," says Michel. With a population of about 4,000 people, Jasper is no doubt thrilled. This calibre of event is well worth the road trip.

Of course Jasper is not at a loss for gorgeous accommodations for the weekend, so having a warm bed to come home to after your day and evening of fun should not be a problem. However, booking early during the high season is definitely recommended. Take a quick look at the Jasper Pride website for recommended hotels and promo codes for the weekend.

Jasper Pride’s steady growth could not be accomplished without the assistance of sponsors, and Michel is very quick to thank these individuals and organizations for their unwavering support. "We are very proud of the partnerships we have formed with local businesses and organizations," he says.

With Pride celebrations gaining immense criticism over its focus on corporate sponsorship dollars, oppose to LGBTQA content, Michel admits that it is a tough balance to maintain a solid Pride movement while being able to afford all of the operating expenses. With a volunteer board of eight, no paid staff, and a vast volunteer base, sponsorship for Jasper Pride cannot be avoided. "Our Tourism Board has been instrumental in helping Jasper Pride succeed," Michel exclaims, adding that there are many more sponsors and partners that are just as important in achieving its overall realization.

With their mantra local first Jasper Pride has really worked with its own community so that sponsorship efforts can be effective both ways. From organizations ranging from Via Rail, The Fairmont Jasper Inn, GayCalgary, and the Edmonton Pride Festival, to name a few, the efforts to remain on the local level first are apparent.

To have something we can call our own and be proud of is unique, and with large Pride celebrations happening more and more often, it is refreshing to come back to a real community event that is wholeheartedly local. It is also essential that we continue to support their efforts. Jasper Pride has outdone themselves yet again, and there is no doubt that this year’s event will keep Albertans proud.