Please be advised:Ĭomments are moderated and will not appear on site until they have been reviewed.Ĭomments are not open on some news articles Bell Media reserves the right to choose commenting availability. Bell Media reviews every comment submitted, and reserves the right to approve comments and edit for brevity and clarity. “It’s a celebration not just of our sexuality but how Canadians are setting the path around the world for human rights.” Vincent Parnell said events like the festival and the parade work to break down barriers and stereotypes. The event will feature a family picnic, movie screenings and even a bus tour about the history of the gay and lesbian community in Edmonton. Officials said this year there are a record 80 floats and over 150 volunteers contributing their time. Lots of education and awareness to do but it is much more of a signature event for the city.” “It’s really evolved much more into a celebration. “It started out very much as a protest and a march for equal rights,” Edmonton Pride Festival spokesperson, Terry Harris, explained.
Organizers said it has become one of the biggest in the country with close to 30,000 people turning out last year. Edmonton’s downtown was given some colour today as the annual Edmonton Pride Festival officially kicked off with its lively parade.
