The fifth annual Fraser Valley Pride will be held on Saturday, July 15.
The event is being hosted by the Fraser Valley Youth Society (FVYS), the longest running LGBTQ2S+ and allied youth drop-in in British Columbia.
“This year will be our biggest and most fabulous event yet,” said Samantha Williams, executive director of the not-for-profit group.
“On our fifth anniversary, we want the Fraser Valley LGBTQ2S+ community to shine as bright as ever. We also want to give our youth another opportunity to feel right at home by showing them how inclusive and welcoming the Fraser Valley is.”
Daytime celebrations, from noon to 4 p.m. at Jubilee Park in Abbotsford, will include music, entertainment, food, vendors and other activities. At 1 p.m. a Pride Walk will leave Jubilee Park and make its way through the streets of Historic Downtown Abbotsford.
In the evening, from 5:30 p.m. at the Legacy Sports Centre in Exhibition Park, the popular Drag Show, Dinner and Dance event will help raise funds for FVYS.
“We’ve got Queer as Funk, an incredibly talented group from Vancouver, who will be playing a high-energy set at Jubilee Park.” Williams said.
“We’ve found there’s a keen interest from many groups and businesses to collaborate with us and make the celebration special.”
This year also includes a window display competition in Historic Downtown Abbotsford.
The showcase is sponsored by What’s On! Magazines and a second category for those outside the Historic Downtown, in Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack, will allow businesses to email a photo of their displays. Fraser Valley Pride is always looking for volunteers, sponsors, and vendors.
To get involved or buy tickets for the evening fundraiser, visit facebook.com/FraserValleyPride or email info.fvpride@gmail.com.