This year, on June 4th the group Port Hope Rainbow Network organized the first Pride celebration in Port Hope.
A year ago, a request was made for the installation of Rainbow Crosswalk in town and that request was declined.
In response, a new group organized, focusing on bringing change to the Municipality related to Queer visibility and inclusion in the fibre of the Municipality.
The group’s first venture was to bring pressure to bear to install the Crosswalk.
That goal was realized when Council, in the summer of 2022 passed a bylaw to install a Rainbow Crosswalk.
The location is prominently featured on Queen Street directly in front of our War Memorial in Memorial Park.
Building on that decision, the group has organized a day-long Pride celebration.
In conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, the events kick off with a rainbow ribbon cutting ceremony at the new crosswalk at 11 am.
That is followed by Pride in the Park (Memorial Park) from noon to five pm.
Various information and retail booths will be onside along with approximately nine stage performances from dance to drag.
The picnic tables will be out for families to bring lunch. The local Library will be doing a drag book reading for the kids. Local eating facilities are open who have given sponsorships including Santorini’s, Nookies, and the Ganaraska Micro Brewery.
And it turns out mother nature is going to give us a stunning, sunny day. The group also is promoting “SHOW YOUR PRIDE” day in Port Hope, encouraging businesses and homes to display the Rainbow Flag.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
