With Creston celebrating its centennial this year, 2024 is a fitting time to make history.
OUTspoken, the local 2SLGBTQ+ community, plans to host the townB次元官网网址檚 first Pride festival on the last weekend of June.
Since forming in 2017, this is a huge milestone for the group. Along the way, OUTspoken hasnB次元官网网址檛 always been met with acceptance. From public harassment to online vitriol, CrestonB次元官网网址檚 2SLGBTQ+ have struggled to feel safe in their own hometown. But now thanks to an outpouring of support, OUTspoken has gained momentum with a committee 22-members strong.
It began in October last year during the SOGI protests, when some members realized how much their presence was needed.
B次元官网网址淭he difference is the love this time, the hate has always been there,B次元官网网址� said Nikolas, co-ordinator for OUTspoken. B次元官网网址淲e've had so many people come up to us and say, B次元官网网址楾hat is not the Creston that I want to live in.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�
The Advance has chosen to withhold the co-ordinators' last names.
Over the last six months of planning the festival, OUTspoken has worked towards visibility around town with a Pride flag at town hall and a regular booth at the Creston Valley FarmersB次元官网网址� Market.
B次元官网网址淢y goal is to show other people in this community that theyB次元官网网址檙e not alone,B次元官网网址� said Sara, also a co-ordinator for OUTspoken. B次元官网网址淲e want to highlight and celebrate what we've achieved so far and what our community is all about.B次元官网网址�
The hate-fuelled, hurtful comments their members have received over the last seven years have been B次元官网网址渦nsettling and scarring,B次元官网网址� causing OUTspoken to go quiet at times.
B次元官网网址淭hat's why we're holding Pride Fest, because it's not about hiding,B次元官网网址� said Sara. B次元官网网址淚t's time for us to be loud and be proud. I want to be happy about who I am in my community B次元官网网址� a community that is proving to be more inclusive, more open, and understanding.B次元官网网址�
The festival will be held on June 29, the day after the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York City, in solidarity and remembrance.
The event will be hosted at Mountain Park Resort starting with a market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vendors coming from as far as Vancouver and Kelowna. In the afternoon, anyone is welcome to join the talent show from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The celebration will continue into the evening with music, special guest performers, dancing, and games from 8 to 10:30 p.m.
It is all thanks to the work of volunteers and crowdfunding.
B次元官网网址淲e have an incredible committee of people who have given their heart and soul,B次元官网网址� said Sara. B次元官网网址淚 am incredibly excited to be able to provide a place where we can feel safe, where we can have a fun atmosphere, where we can enjoy ourselves and celebrate our history.B次元官网网址�
Another big motivation for hosting the festival is to bring tourism dollars into the Creston Valley, especially during a year when the local orchards are struggling due to unusual weather.
B次元官网网址淐ommunity growth is a big part of it,B次元官网网址� said Nikolas. B次元官网网址淲e can help with that. Every person who comes for Pride Fest also needs to eat meals or stay the night. That's something that could be a regular thing, bringing people to town for entertainment.B次元官网网址�
Volunteers and donations for festival support or prizes are still needed. To help, get in touch through the OUTspoken Facebook page or at outspoken-creston@hotmail.com.
