It’s Pride Week in Muskoka and a variety of events and festivities are planned all the way through to July 27 when Muskoka Pride will host a parade and festival.
That’s according to Shawn Forth, secretary and on the Muskoka Pride Festival Committee.
This year’s theme is ‘Reclaim, Resist, Rejoice’. According to Forth, this was chosen to reflect how many of their board and community members have been feeling as of late with some policy changes in other provinces impacting their rights.
“Our theme this year was about reclaiming space, recognizing being visible – we are here,” said Forth. “Resisting, reminding ourselves and our allies to stand up to attacks on rights of members of the queer community. And rejoice because it is still a celebration of being able to live your true self being out and open.”
On July 21 Pride flags were raised at The Townships of Muskoka Lakes, Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays, Wahta First Nation, and in the towns of Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst.
On July 23, there is a Rainbow Storytime at the Gravenhurst Public Library from 4 to 5 p.m. where two Muskoka Pride board members will read stories about inclusion. In the evening, there is a performance at Bracebridge Hall titled ‘Sing Out Louise: The Best of Broadway…Backwards’ starting at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s an opportunity for some local performers to sing their favorite Broadway tunes, and maybe it’s a song they wouldn’t normally be able to because of their gender,” said Forth. “The roles are flipped; everything is upside down. We’re hearing our favorite Broadway musicals but backwards.”
On July 24, there is a Muskoka Pride Comedy Night at Music on Main at 8 p.m. Four comedians that make up the Toronto comedy group “The Gay AF Comedy” will be performing.
On July 25, there’s a Pride Paddle at Kelvin Grove Park in Bracebridge from 1 to 3 p.m. In the evening, there’s Drag Bingo with Muskoka Drag Royalty at Henrietta’s Bakery in Huntsville from 5 to 7 p.m.. Forth said bingo spaces are limited.
There are three events lined up in Bracebridge on July 26. First on the list is Drag Brunch at The Griffin Pub from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pooch Pride will follow at Kerr Park from 2 to 4 p.m. and in the evening they will be hosting a Pints & Pride a Karaoke Party at Muskoka Brewery from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
To wrap things up nicely with a colorful bow, on July 27, the 17th annual Muskoka Pride Parade along Manitoba Street in Bracebridge beginning at 12:30 p.m. A Pride Festival will run at Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to Forth, they have over 50 vendors and a bunch of family friendly activities.
“It is a very family friendly event with a lot of emphasis placed on activities for someone who has never been to a pride festival before,” said Forth. “The one thing I can’t articulate well enough is the vibe you feel when you go there – it has a very friendly, welcoming and fun atmosphere.”
He says they work very hard to create that welcoming space with all their vendors and volunteers.
Muskoka Pride is a registered non-profit. They receive funds from different grants and only charge costs for events where needed. While their goal is to run break even events, any profit gets funded back into the organization to aid in their year-round programming.
For more details on Muskoka Pride Weeks upcoming events, visit 2024 Muskoka Pride Week July 20-28 – Muskoka Pride
