Chatham-Kent's pride parade is set to roll through the streets of downtown Chatham again in a couple of weeks.
The Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association (CKGPA) will celebrate pride all week long with a slate of family-friendly events from August 15 to August 21.
"We are all very excited and thrilled to be able to get together and have this kind of event again," said CKGPA President Marianne Willson. "I think the response from the community and people wanting to participate has been wonderful."
The week will start off with a flag-raising ceremony outside of the Civic Centre in Chatham at 12 p.m. on Monday, August 15.
On Wednesday, there will be a community barbecue hosted by LINCK from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 495 Grand Avenue. Later in the evening, the community can join the Chatham-Kent Public Library for a pride-theme virtual trivia night on Facebook. That starts at 6 p.m.
Organizers have also planned a CK Pride bonfire from 8 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, August 18 at 21118 Base Rd. in Blenheim.
Kicking off the weekend's festivities is a pub night on Friday, August 19 at Sons of Kent located at 27 Adelaide St. in Chatham. That will run from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Pride parade will take place Saturday, August 20, starting at 11 a.m. from the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, down King Street West to Tecumseh Park.
From noon until 5 p.m. that day, there will be the Pride festival in the park. This includes a DJ, a drag show, water activities, games, and a foam machine for the children.
"We will have two drag queens and two drag kings performing, " said Willson. "The performers are very much local. They were originally born and raised in this community and are returning or they still currently reside here."
Vendors, community partners and organizations are encouraged to register for a display or vendor space for this event.
As for the pandemic, Willson said it has been very hard for some people in the LGBTQ2s+ community, who already may have felt isolated from the rest of society.
"I think we have seen an increase in a lack of coping, isolation, people feeling more depressed," said Willson. "When you take a group of people that already may be living in a way that is hidden from everyone else, it further isolates them. It complicates their well-being, their sense of belonging, and their mental health and wellness. The pandemic has not been kind."
Willson highlighted the municipality’s support, including the creation of diversity, equity and inclusion co-ordinator position, adding that other organizations are also moving in a similar direction.
"It's been a breath of fresh air to know that Chatham-Kent sees the value in being a connected group of people to create one community."