This year's Pride parade and festival saw record attendance, with thousands marching along the waterfront in Kelowna, British Columbia, in a colorful celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“We say this is Kelowna Pride Festival;It just fills my heart with warmth,” said Candice Banks, Director of Kelowna Pride Volunteer Services.
“It turned out so beautifully; the parade didn't end. You look out and you see a sea of rainbows and love, it's so beautiful.”
Emails needed on the day
Top news from Canada and around the world.
The festival kicks off with a Pride Yoga event at 8:30 a.m. in Stewart Park, followed by the park as the starting point for the Pride Parade at 10 a.m., which will include speeches and performances.
The parade begins at Stuart Park at 11 a.m. and winds its way around Kelowna’s waterfront before ending at the festival grounds in City Park, which will feature more than 100 vendors, live music, entertainment, a kids’ zone and food trucks.
Kelowna drag queen performer Freida Whales was one of those chosen to help lead the parade.
“I remember my first Pride parade about 10 years ago, there were only about 50 people, and now it’s over 1,000, over 10,000, even close to 12,000, which is amazing.”
This wasn't the only record-breaking Pride event this week. Organizers said Pride events over the past few days have seen more participants than ever before.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
