Diversity Cornwall Pride Parade and Festival on August 12, 2023

Article and Photo by Jason Setnyk

Cornwall, Ontario – The Diversity Cornwall team is eagerly gearing up for a day of celebration, inclusion, and unbridled joy for the highly anticipated Pride Parade and Festival. Scheduled for August 12, the event promises a range of exciting activities and entertainment for all ages, running from 11 am to 6 pm at Lamoureux Park.

“Diversity Cornwall is so excited to announce our schedule of events for August 12! With the support of our generous sponsors, we will be hosting a fun-filled day full of free activities for the community, including face painting, bouncy castles, an exotic animal show, a drag story time, arts and crafts, musical entertainment by The Socials, and drag performances by eight incredible drag artists. There will be over 50 vendor booths set up from 12-6 pm, and we will also be hosting a BBQ, beer tent, and ‘So You Think You Can Drag’ competition with some incredible prizes! We look forward to welcoming our biggest crowd yet!” said Diversity Cornwall President Liz Quenville.

The Pride Parade and Festival, organized by the non-profit organization Diversity Cornwall, aims to promote acceptance, equality, and understanding for all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It promises to be a day filled with love, acceptance, and pride, as people from all walks of life come together to show their support and celebrate diversity.

EVENTS FOR ALL AGES

The festivities kick off at noon with the Kids Zone, with various fun activities, including a crafts table, a bouncy castle, and delightful face painting to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day. Families can also look forward to the Exotic Animal Show, a thrilling encounter with furry friends up-close, from 1 pm to 2 pm.

For those seeking refreshing drinks, the 19+ Beer Garden, operated by Rurban Brewing, will be open from 12 pm to 6 pm, offering an array of cold beverages to quench the summer thirst. Foodies can rejoice for the mouthwatering delights of the BBQ, hosted by Seguin Patate, from 12 pm to 5 pm, serving up delicious food.

VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

The entertainment lineup for the day is nothing short of spectacular. Commencing at 11 am, the Pride Parade will wind its way through the city streets in a dazzling display of colours supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Following the parade, attendees can gather to listen to inspiring speeches in Lamoureux Park at noon, setting the stage for an afternoon of celebration and entertainment. The stage will come alive with musical performances by The Socials, captivating the crowd from 2:30 pm to 3:45 pm.

However, the highlight of the entertainment is undoubtedly the drag performances by a star-studded lineup of artists, including Misty Mac, Zak Zinya, Sunshine Glitterchild, Cherie Stoned, Hunter Down, Lulu Belle, JD Merciii, and Vicky Vicious. They will grace the stage at 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm and return at 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm, ensuring non-stop entertainment, glamour, and mesmerizing performances.

Not forgetting the younger audience, there will be a special Drag Story Time session at the Kid Zone, allowing children to experience the magic of storytelling through the art of drag.

COMPETITION AND LOCAL VENDORS

As the afternoon progresses, the excitement intensifies with the “So You Think You Can Drag” competition at 3:45 pm, where talented participants will vie for prestigious titles and remarkable prizes.

Meanwhile, the Vendor Market will be bustling with local businesses and artisans offering their finest goods from 12 pm to 6 pm. It’s an excellent opportunity for the community to support local entrepreneurs while discovering unique and diverse products.

PRIDE WEEK BUILDUP

In the grand Pride Parade and Festival lead-up, Cornwall will witness a week filled with exciting events and opportunities for growth and learning. The Pride Week events include a Drag Show and Fundraiser, a Watercolour Workshop, Virtual Drag 101 Workshop, Drag Story Time, Queers & Beers event, and the Big Gay 3 Comedy Show. These events showcase the unity and spirit of the community as they come together to celebrate love and acceptance.

The Pride Parade and Festival at Lamoureux Park on August 12 promises to be a day of love, acceptance, and celebration, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the Cornwall community. Come one, come all, and join in the festivities as Diversity Cornwall brings together people from all walks of life to show their support and embrace diversity in all its beautiful forms.

Visit the Diversity Cornwall website to register or buy tickets for various events during Pride Week.