Flag raising ceremony at the Seaway Centre Parkette in Sarnia. May 31, 2019. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Flag raising ceremony at the Seaway Centre Parkette in Sarnia. May 31, 2019. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Sarnia

Inaugural Beachside Pride event Saturday

An inclusive mini-festival called Beachside Pride will be held for the first time on Saturday at Canatara Park.

The day-long event features high-energy music, vendors, games, and more.

Organizer Jordon Rowe said it's the perfect way to continue pride celebrations through the month of June.

"I think pride events always carry this sort of magical air because you know that everyone is there for a bigger purpose, and to celebrate love, and to celebrate inclusion," said Rowe. "There's been a lot of movement in terms of the city raising the flags, and lighting up City Hall with the pride colours, so we're very excited to bring a big celebration to mark the occasion.

Rowe said for anyone in the community that hasn't attended a pride event before, they'd love for them to come out and see what it's all about.

He said this celebration of pride sends a clear message.

"It says that Sarnia-Lambton is a diverse and inclusive community, that pride is in an inclusive event-- pride isn't throwing anything in anyone's face, but really it's saying here's what we have, here's our community, here's our culture, and we hope that people will come join and celebrate with us," he said. f

Rowe said they'll be gathering from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Canatara Beach Bandshell.

Proceeds from the all-ages event, with licensed areas, will be donated to local organizations supporting LGBTQ+ and at-risk youth.

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