There was no shortage of entertainment, music or colour at this year’s Pride Parade. Over 100,000 people lined the streets of downtown Halifax to take it all in.
“I think it’s the most visible event we have,” Halifax Pride chair Willem Blois said.
“We do a lot of events throughout the 11-day festival and the parade is definitely the one.
“Everyone comes together to create such a huge spectacle and we work together as a community to plan all our events, but this is one, we really welcome in the greater community to see how amazing out LGBT community is here in Halifax.”
For some onlookers, coming to the parade is an annual event. But for others, like Aaron Crowe and Randy Davis, it’s their first time here.
“I grew up in Nova Scotia and I live in Ottawa right now and we’re home for a summer vacation so we thought it would be great to come down to Halifax and enjoy Pride while it’s going on,” Crowe said.
“I’ve never been to Halifax, period, so to be here during Pride is extra special. It’s a chance to see where Aaron grew up and feel proud,” Davis added.
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Some Haligonians came all decked out for the event in homemade costumes.
“It took me about six hours to make the hat,” Travis Smith said of a massive creation consisting of everything from balloons to feathers.
“I just go all-out every year at Pride and try to be as colourful as I can, because I enjoy the day and it’s a lot of fun.”
With so much hatred in the world, many people say the Pride Parade is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate love.
“We just need to show our support for people that may have lifestyles that are different and it’s just something that, you just need to love and respect people and celebrate life together,” Sandra Currie-Samson said.
As part of the parade, there was a moment of silence and a wreath carried along the parade route in memory of those who were killed in the Orlando shooting in June.
“I think Halifax is a very accepting city of just about every race, creed, colour. It’s just a diverse city and it’s a beautiful city to live in,” Margaret Kennedy said.
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Organizers hope people use the parade as an opportunity to learn and embrace diversity within the community.
“Pride is actually a year-long thing for many people who perhaps don’t quite feel included at other times of the year,” Blois said.
“Come celebrate with us, talk to us, learn about how we live our lives and realize this isn’t just a pride festival for us; this is our life.”
Next year, you can expect the Halifax Pride Parade to be even larger to mark its 30th anniversary.
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