The fifth annual Muskoka Pride Festival kicks off at River Mill Park in Huntsville tomorrow. It starts at 3:00pm, and there is going to be a BBQ cooked by the Huntsville Fire Department, with free hot dogs and drinks. There will also be vendors, community information and games for kids. Pride Festival organizers say the kickoff is set right before tomorrow’s Midnight Madness in Huntsville, which starts at 6:00pm.
The festival runs from July 21st to the 20th, and all of the events are open to everyone. The Muskoka Pride Community is a volunteer group that formed in 2009, to raise awareness of the LGBTQ community in the district. It also aims to create opportunities and provide a safe community.
Other events happening throughout the week include a screening of the film Transgender Life In Slovenia at Club One in Bracebridge on the 25th, a pub night in Gravenhurst on the 28th, and the 9th annual picnic at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge on the 30th.
On Monday, each of the Muskoka municipalities will be raising a rainbow flag in support of the Pride Festival. Here is a list of each of the flag ceremonies:
11:00am:
- Georgian Bay Township at the Admin Building on 99 Lone Pine Road in Port Severn
- Lake of Bays Township at the Council Office on 1012 Dwight Beach Road in Dwight
- Wahta First Nation at the Admin Building on 2664 Muskoka Road 38
- Muskoka Lakes Township at the Municipal Office on 1 Bailey Street in Port Carling
- Town of Gravenhurst at the Municipal Office on 3-5 Pineridge Gate
12:00pm:
- Town of Huntsville at Town Hall on 37 Main Street East
2:00pm:
- Town of Bracebridge at Town Hall on 1000 Taylor Court
A full list of events is on the Muskoka Pride Festival website.