The 11th edition of Sault Pridefest is officially underway.
Members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community were joined by dignitaries at city hall on Sunday for the raising of the Pride flag — an annual tradition that marks the beginning of the eight-day festival.
During one of several keynote speeches, Sault Pride chair Amanda Zuke acknowledged the challenges her community has faced in recent weeks, referencing the protests and vandalism at the brand-new Pride crosswalk at the corner of Bay and Spring Streets.
But she was also filled with a sense of hope as she expressed her appreciation to the supporters in attendance, noting they're stronger when everyone works collaboratively.
"Together, we're building an understanding that if we don't stand together, we fall apart," she told supporters. "And isn't that what we're here for today? To stand together and celebrate the 11th year of Pridefest."
As speeches were being delivered at the front steps of city hall, a small group of protesters had gathered near the entrance of the facility's parking lot.
Several Pridefest attendees approached the protesters during the formal portion of the event while officers were there to keep the peace.
While this was going on, Sault Police Chief Hugh Stevenson reaffirmed the service's commitment to defending and protecting the Pride community.
"The success of a community means that your pride and your perception of public safety continues to increase," he said. "The pride, the numbers, the feelings of confidence, the ability for you to walk the streets of this city and feel safe, and number one — know that your chief and your 200 men and women in this police service supports you wholeheartedly. We will never not be here for you."
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker concluded the speeches by officially proclaiming the week of July 21-28, 2024, as Pridefest in the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
"Intolerance is the past and acceptance and inclusion is the future," he said. "The City of Sault Ste. Marie will continue to be an accepting and inclusive place that welcomes all and celebrates diversity, regardless of the squeaky wheels that might be trying to turn the clock back on the way of thinking."
Shoemaker was then joined by Claire Mitchell and Cole Gagnon as they raised the Pride flag in front of an excited crowd on the front lawn of city hall.
Following the flag raising, Pridefest attendees walked over to the Roberta Bondar Pavilion for Loud and Proud Family Fun Day, which included vendors, live music, games, food and refreshments.
A full schedule of Sault Pridefest 2024 is below:
