Small island, Big Pride

Hundreds of people will be heading to Saltspring this weekend for the island’s 8^th Annual Pride celebration.

The island of only ten thousand people has the third largest pride celebration in the province.

Dierdre Rowland, a member of the organizing committee, believes it is the community atmosphere of the event that makes it so popular.

“It’s a little bit of a different flavor. Sure there’s a little bit of spice. We ask people to come and be who they are, and really express that and celebrate themselves for the day, but at the same time children walk in our parade, and elders and really the community at large is invited”

The parade is one of the highlights of the weekend and Rowland explained it is different from most other parades because it is people powered. There are no floats or cars, just people moving together through the streets.

The Pride Celebrations run from Friday night until Sunday.Hundreds of people will be heading to Saltspring this weekend for the island’s 8^th Annual Pride celebration.

The island of only ten thousand people has the third largest pride celebration in the province.

Dierdre Rowland, a member of the organizing committee, believes it is the community atmosphere of the event that makes it so popular.

“It’s a little bit of a different flavor. Sure there’s a little bit of spice. We ask people to come and be who they are, and really express that and celebrate themselves for the day, but at the same time children walk in our parade, and elders and really the community at large is invited”

The parade is one of the highlights of the weekend and Rowland explained it is different from most other parades because it is people powered. There are no floats or cars, just people moving together through the streets.

The Pride Celebrations run from Friday night until Sunday.