- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

The sun and wind kept the glitter gleaming and the flags flapping at Owen Sound's third Pride parade. 

OSDSS student Ryan Brown organized the first Pride parade in the city in 2018 and after a two-year hold for Covid, it was clear everyone was ready to party again. Starting at the rainbow crosswalk by the Owen Sound Farmers' Market, the parade went across the 8th Street bridge and along 1st Ave West to the Gitche Namewikwedong Brridge on 10th Street, and back south on 2nd Ave to continue the celebration at the street fair at the Market Square. 

Four churches and nine schools participated in the parade, along with organizations  and hundreds of individuals in spectacular costumes. All comers were welcome.  Balloons and flags added to the colour and music and cheering rang out across the river.

The street fait continued until 6, with live music, a bouncy castle and a dunk tank. Crafters sold rainbow everything, and exhibitors gave away swag from candy and cookies to condoms and socks to sunscreen.

The event had a spirit of generosity, joy and community.  May these safe places continue to grow and thrive in our City.

Thank you to Grey Bruce Pride and happy Pride to all our 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ neighbours!

"Grey Bruce Pride works to create a safe community for 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ people and their families, friends and allies through activism, community education and engagement, mentorship, and culture events. We are committed to connecting with local community organizations and partners to create safe progressive spaces for our 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ community. Consciously practicing Queer responsibility and celebrating history, courage and diversity to increase understanding and acceptance of rainbow folxs."

photos courtesy of the generosity of David Galway.