Pride Week in Chatham-Kent will not include a parade this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but there will be events to celebrate diversity and show support.
Earlier this year, board members of the CK Gay Pride Association made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 CKPride Parade and CKPride in the Park Festival over health concerns. However, CK Pride President Marianne Willson said they didn't want to cancel every event.
"We wanted to have some sort of virtual celebration where those of us that are active in the community can still celebrate and those of us who are hidden in the community can still not feel isolated entirely," said Willson.
Pride Week in Chatham-Kent will kick off on August 10 with a flag-raising ceremony outside of the Civic Centre in Chatham at 12 p.m.
On Friday, organizers have planned a Pride Week Bonfire at 8:30 p.m. at 21118 Base Rd. in Blenheim. Willson said the bonfire (a permit has been obtained) is in the country in a one-acre field.
"Social distancing will be required. Everybody is to bring their own chairs, their own beverages, and their own snacks -- none of that will be provided," said Willson. "That way people can choose to either join for a short time or for a longer period of time, depending on what their level of comfort is."
Willson said the bonfire was discussed among the association's Board of Directors. Chatham-Kent Public Health had a representative present for the active discussion, which also included Police Chief Gary Conn and Fire Chief Chris Case.
"We all came together and had a very active discussion about keeping track of numbers for the bonfire and also asking people to leave if social distancing isn't adhered to," said Willson.
There will also be a couple of virtual events during Pride Week. Willson said people can share their pictures and videos in support of CK Pride through social media, using the hashtag #ShareYourPrideCK. There will also be a virtual church service held on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. via Facebook Live in collaboration with St. Andrew's United Church.
"The entire community of Chatham-Kent can participate so that we can come together and celebrate the great diversity that is Chatham-Kent," said Willson.
When the time is appropriate, Willson said there will likely be a big public celebration but until then, the plan is to gather in a safe manner during the pandemic.