Organizers of the third annual Huron County Pride Festival in Goderich believe the event carries a vital message.
Huron County Pride Chair Alex Jebson pointed out that the need to create awareness continues.
"I think it's actually made itself quite clear this year that it's important to keep celebrating Pride," said Jebson. " I mean, we have everything going on in the States right now, even here with some of the rhetoric going on in the recent provincial and federal elections, as some of the rights and support for the 2sLGBTQIA+ community have been under attack."
Jebson stressed the need to keep celebrating Pride.
"To celebrate Pride means to show that we are here and we're very excited to be a part of the community and to be accepted as who we are," he continued. "But it's also a reminder to those of us within the community and our allies that the fight isn't really over yet. There's still a lot we need to do for our siblings here and around the world in terms of acceptance and equality."
The theme this year is "Once Upon a Pride", which Jebson explained is a celebration of fairy tales.
"Just the power of stories and making sure that everyone's stories are included and celebrated and that everyone can kind of have a happy ending to their story," he added.
The event takes place this year from June 2 to 8, 2025, with the main event on Saturday, June 7, in Courthouse Square in Goderich, featuring live music, drag performances, an artisan market, community booths, and the Family Pride Area.
"The festival itself on the Saturday has been very popular the past couple of years with lots of great crowds," said Jebson. "We have a great group of vendors and community partners, and performers, and things like that. We get a lot of people out to that."
Events in the week leading up to the Saturday celebration include Yoga on Monday and Diva Karaoke on Tuesday, both at the Den in Goderich. Then it's Movie Night at the Huron County Museum on Wednesday with a screening of the documentary, "Are You Proud?"
On Thursday, there's a cookie decorating event at Blake Street Bakery, and the Happily Ever Smarter Pride Trivia Night on Friday at Square Brew, both in Goderich.
The week wraps up with Pride Worship Services at Blyth and Brussels United Churches on Sunday, and a Bayfield River Valley Trail Association Pride Walk.