The Red Deer and area LGBT community is breathing new life into its Pride Festivities planned this August 9th to 11th, featuring exciting new events and much needed community support.

Historically this vibrant community, Alberta’s third most populous city, has celebrated its diversity in a number of ways but this year promises to be different according to Tony Jeglum, organizer and local community activist.  Red Deer, located almost at the mid-point between Edmonton and Calgary is planning to make this weekend an annual event spearheaded by its newly formed Central Alberta Pride Society (CAPS).  Red Deer boasts an active and thriving LGBT community; however most of the related events have been ad hoc and one-off in nature differing from this 3-day Pride Event which will include an official proclamation from the City of Red Deer’s Mayor.

Jeglum points out that they have no intention of competing with the events of Calgary and Edmonton but rather hopes to piggy-back their event onto these larger and successful venues.  Host hotels will welcome out of town guests by offering attractive rates and Central Alberta Pride Hospitality.  Red Deer Pride affords the community to showcase their great city and feature its many businesses including those located in its downtown core.

Pride events in prior years had, predominantly, been organized by CAANS (Central Alberta Aids Network Society) due primarily to their dedicated staff and a few willing organizers.  Although CAANS will continue to be an integral part of the Pride events it will no longer be responsible for the details and venues surrounding these three days.  Jeglum is happy to relay that the Central Alberta Pride Society (status pending) will carry out the bulk of the planning and execution in August.

Local area youth are also encouraged to participate in events specifically focused for those member of the community under the age of eighteen years.  In addition, the downtown core was strategically chosen as the event location due to the Downtown Business Association’s long history in supporting Red Deer’s diverse population.  Venues and attractions are primarily within walking distance making the three days accessible and simple to navigate.

Although the focus of the event is in August the local LGBT community will be marching in the Westerner Days Parade in Red Deer scheduled for July 17th.  Developing and promoting community awareness as well as marketing the Pride festivities will be the key focus of participating marchers.

August 9th will kick off with the official Mayoral Proclamation at Red Deer City Hall beginning at 5pm.  The proclamation will be closely followed by an opening reception at the Ross Street Patio.  During the evening a number of local restaurants and bars will be featuring special libations and fare targeted at Central Alberta Pride participants.

August 10th, weather permitting, promises a wet and wild afternoon with a group float on the Red Deer River.  Although details of the event have yet to be confirmed, one thing is for sure: it promises to be the Fruit Float of the year!  The evening culminates at The Vat, a local watering hole, with featured entertainers The Dirrty Show (yes dirty with two R’s) hence the "Dirrty and Drag" mantra. Drag Queens and Kings are encouraged to don their finery and participate in the evening’s frolic.

August 11th will begin with a Church service at 11am at Cronquist House, Bower Ponds which is jointly sponsored by the Lacombe United Church and the Red Deer Unitarian Fellowship.  The Service will be followed by a barbecue at the Kiwanis Picnic Shelter, Bower Ponds from 12pm to 3pm.  This event is family friendly and the community thanks you in advance for your donation.  The cook out is enthusiastically sponsored by the local Mr. Mike’s Restaurant.

Check out the Red Deer Pride Days Facebook Page or the Central Alberta Pride Website (launching shortly) for all the event information.  For direct contact, use the Email address included at the end of this article.

You may also want to check out the many other sites and activities the City of Red Deer has to offer including Waskasoo Park, that runs right from the outskirts in the southwest to the northeast and through the heart of the city. It gives Red Deer its alternate name of "Park City". Over 80 kilometres (50 miles) of multi-use trails permit biking, rollerblading, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and walking. Home to many birds and wild life, this unspoiled river valley park is well-loved, well used and undoubtedly a place of peace and beauty.

Plan to show your Alberta Pride by supporting the Central Alberta Pride event in Red Deer this coming month and watch for other events and extravaganzas organized and promoted by Red Deer’s newly formed Central Alberta Pride Society!