Pride Events 2018

Pride Events 2018
By Mike Butler

July is Pride Month! Sounds funny for ME to say that because every day for me is PRIDE something or other. When you live it, it makes the month seem like an extension of your usual celebrating of the LGBTQ community. I’m very excited for the Pride events this year in the Valley as we have TWO weeks of special events to help celebrate!

Let’s chat about Saturday July 14! Well, to kick off the two week Pride celebration, my partner Ian and I are getting married! This is coincidentally the same day that the Pride flag-raising ceremony is happening at Waterfront Park in Wolfville. I don’t think we could have planned it better. The Pride rainbow flag is running up the pole at 4pm, and it’ll be a must-see event full of friendship and love. There will be guest speakers including Master Chef contestant Felix Fudge.

Then on Wednesday July 18, dress as bright as you want and attend the Pride Market at the Wolfville Farmer’s Market from 4-7pm. There will be rainbow-inspired food, Pride booths, fun activities and, are you sitting down? There will be the debut performance of my drag alter-ego Sharon DaLove. Yes, you read it correctly, I will be performing at the Pride Market in full Pride drag and it’s gonna be epic!

New to the Pride events this year is a PRIDE RIDE starring Mayor Jeff Cantwell on Saturday July 21. The Pride Ride, which is open to anyone with a bike, will take place on the Harvest Trail. Start time and distance are TBD. Keep your eyes peeled for details.

Theatre has always been a huge part of the LGBTQ community and on Saturday July 21 The Wolfville Lions Hall will be hopping with two big events put on to raise money for the local theatre community. A great team of volunteers, including myself, are hosting a ticket auction from 10am-12:30pm with some amazing things to place your tickets on. There will be hot dogs and treats for the kids too! And then in the evening from 7pm-12am, join us for a Decades Dance with all the hits from the ’60s to the ’90s, with DJ MIKE BUTLER!! There’s a cash bar, 50/50 draw, and lots of fun to be had! Dance tickets are $10.00 at the door !

On Sunday July 22, the Retro Blockbuster Series at the Al Whittle Theatre is screening The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the cult classic film from down under with great music, a strong message, and Oscar-winning costumes! Don’t miss it!

On Sunday July 29th, 10:30pm, to close the Pride Events, the Rainbow Chorus are having the Celebration of Spirit event at the Manning Memorial Chapel, Acadia University with music and togetherness.

And I’ve saved one of the best Pride events until last. In recognition of Wolfville’s 125th year, the local area Pride group would like to have a “125 Random Acts of Kindness” pledge campaign that begins this Pride season, sponsored by the Wolfville and Area Pride Group. Keep your eyes open around town for pledge cards for people (LGBTIQ2SAQ and Allies) to take and keep track of their random acts of kindness for the rest of 2018. It would be a commitment to the larger inclusive and justice-promoting community. The pledge card pickup locations will include cafes, stores, and the university.

So many wonderful things to celebrate this Pride season! Hang out your flag and celebrate together! Enjoy and Thank you!