Calgary’s Pride Celebrations have become an exciting part of the calendar for the past 14 years. Ever evolving, for its 15th anniversary this year, the Pride Board took a giant leap into the future, being one of the first organizations in the world to announce a full month of Pride! Starting from May 27th with Fairy Tales and wrapping up July 3 at the ARGRA Rodeo, June this year will be filled with rainbow flags, and all sorts of exciting events!
"Pride Month came about back in October when the Pride Committee was coming together. We looked at what events we knew about already, and when we found out that Fairy Tales and ARGRA Rodeo bookmarked June, it was fun to play with the idea of Pride Month so that we could include those events. What has happened is that it has allowed other groups and organizations to have [Pride-endorsed] events during the entire month, rather than being confined to the week. It’s working. We are having events come forward that, in the past, we couldn’t have promoted because it didn’t fit into that week," said Linda Craig, who along with Dean Burton are the Co-Chairs of Pride 2005. "This year we also have changed to have all of the Pride Calgary sponsored events on one weekend. The dance ‘Xist 2005’ is June 11th, and on June 12th we will be having the parade and street fair along 17th avenue. We are excited about these substantial differences and are looking forward to seeing the feedback of how the community likes it. So far we have had a lot of people expressing interest in having events during the month. [Those events are] listed on our website and [in] the official pride guide in GayCalgary.com Magazine. There will be lots of exposure for the events."
Pride Month also allows those traveling from out of town to take in as much as possible. Pride 2004 saw a lot of changes, and they continue this year.
"We are going to have an incredible opportunity to accommodate the visitors, who no longer have to pick which weekend to be here. They can come for the one weekend and hit [all of Pride Calgary’s events]. We have had a lot of positive feedback from the dance being at Hall D [in the Round-Up Center]. It’s bigger, [has] great lighting and sound, and looks more professional. It will be almost like a circuit party this year, which is why it has been dubbed from this point forward ‘Xist.’ Last year we didn’t have everybody come out to play because of the weather, but the location has better exposure. It is right in the middle of where everything is, which allows more people to include themselves in the celebration. The Parade route is longer... There are a lot of advantages to 17th, it is a great place to be and it is right in the middle of the community. Our rainbow flags will once again be up on 17th Ave for the full month of June. We are going to have flags that were up last year up again, and those who haven’t had them before or want new ones can get their logo printed and have them up this year."
Now is the time to get involved – Pride Calgary is looking for volunteers! Forms for sponsorship, parade registration, and volunteering at the street festival are available on their website. Craig expects this to be the biggest Pride yet, and encourages people to attend or volunteer.
"I have been involved with Pride Calgary for a number of years, and what I find most exciting is that every year there are new ideas and events. We can see it changing in the future and it is amazing to be a part of. I encourage anyone to volunteer as this is the best time of year to be involved – it is unbelievable! The most important thing is to come out in June for Pride Month, have some fun and be part of this incredible celebration. It is because of you folks that we make this happen.
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Jason Clevett |
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Calgary Pride |
Gay Pride |
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Calgary Pride |
