The Pride flag-raising ceremony took place Aug. 19 at the Township of Minden Hills office on Milne Street.
Minden Pride chair Allan Guinan talked about the importance of allies for members of the LGBT+ community and about being one’s authentic self.
The flag-raising ceremony marked the official beginning of Minden Pride Week, Aug. 19 to 25. Minden Pride’s motto is “everyone is welcome”.
Members of the OPP were there to show support, and the community showed up to support one another and take part in the celebration. The flag-raising ceremony and festival opening was presented by Up River Trading Co., a sponsor since the beginning of Minden Pride.
Events that people can look forward to are: the Burlesque Ball at the Pinestone Resort Aug. 23 and the Float with Pride River Parade on the Gull River in Minden, Aug. 25.
The week-long celebration aims to include everyone and allows people to be open, loud and proud about being their authentic selves.
Member of Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock Jamie Schmale was at the event, along with deputy mayor of Minden Hills, Lisa Schell. Both spoke a few words before the flag raising. Both echoed sentiments of pride in being oneself and the support of the community in hosting a Pride Week in Minden.
Guinan said that because Pride Week is in its ninth year, people sort of know the program of what’s being offered. “We’re getting lots of people signing up for the River Parade, we know that the Burlesque Ball event is sold out, so I think it’s going be a really great week.”
“The County and the people who participate have been really great supporters, and so we’re really grateful and thankful for that.”
Other events include a Mad Hatter Tea Party at Hook, Line and Sinker from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 24.
