The 10th anniversary of the Kelowna Pride March kicked off Saturday morning at Stuart Park to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
More than a thousand people of all ages, race and sexual orientations gathered by the bear at Stuart Park, decked out from head to toe in rainbow brightness, showing off their pride and support for the local and global LGBTQ+ community.
Pride events have been taking place in Kelowna for the past 10 years now, and what once started out as a small gathering of no more than 50 people has since grown into an event that draws a crowd of thousands, and 2017 may have been the biggest turnout yet.
Before embarking on their march of solidarity, political figures voiced their support to the masses including Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues, and Mayor Colin Basran.
“This is my sixth march, and I am very proud of our community for coming out this weekend, but we need to show support for these events continually and stand as one,” said Mayor Basran.
The march took attendees down the boardwalk to Waterfront Park where the annual Beach Festival awaited them.
Crowds were welcomed through a rainbow balloon arch to the singing of the national anthem. There was an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness during the walk.
From live music and food trucks to a market of vendors, the Beach Festival offered a place for people to enjoy a sun-filled Saturday among the love and support of their community.
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