Pridefest’s 10th year an ‘explosion of friendly vibes’: Organizer

Another year of Pridefest is in the books.

To cap off the busiest two weeks in their ten-year history, committee members and volunteers with Sault Pride invited locals to Mane Street Café and Lounge for their annual rainbow brunch this afternoon.

Having the chance to exhale following a jam-packed July, Sault Pride chair Amanda Zuke says this year’s festivities couldn’t have gone better.

“I’m so happy with how everything went,” she told SooToday. “We had great turnouts this weekend for Bears, Beers, and Bingo. Our drag show on Saturday was well attended, and our Rainbow Coffeehouse was a record turnout.”

“It was an absolute explosion of friendly vibes.”

Running from July 16-30, the Sault’s 10th Pridefest included 14 events which brought hundreds of locals together in various capacities around the city.

Having a front row seat to the development and expansion of Sault Pride and its events over the years, Zuke says they wouldn’t be where they are today without the support from the volunteers, sponsors, and the general public.

“The community at large is incredibly enthusiastic,” she says. “People were coming out this weekend who we had never seen before, and they’re discovering new Pridefest events all the time which is great.”

“I’ve also been blessed with the best group of volunteers possible. Absolutely the most wonderful, committed, and creative group – and they make me look good,” she laughed.

This year hasn’t been all positive for Zuke and her committee however as the removal of Pride flags from elementary schools, as well as protests against Drag Story Times, have caused some hurt in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

But the chair says the public’s response to these situations and the positivity felt at Pridefest is affirmation that the tide of acceptance has shifted massively since they began their work in 2014.

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress,” she says. “We have been successfully showing the community what we’re about, and what we’re about is entirely wholesome. The Sault, by and large, has truly embraced us.”

“We’re loud and we’re proud, and I think that message has been getting out very reliably.”

Zuke projects most of this year’s Pridefest lineup will be making a return next year, including notable events like Loud & Proud, Pride Stride & Ride, and Out of the Closet Clothing Swap.

“Two weeks of events was unprecedented for us – last year was eight days,” she says. “But I love putting the time into it. We’re looking forward to making even more progress in the structure of the event.”

Looking ahead, Zuke is hoping to implement regular social events throughout the year because “supporting the community is what we’re here for, and part of supporting the community is building the community,” she says.

Sault Pride and 2SLGBTQIA+ Network, in partnership with presenting sponsor Village Media, recently announced plans for a special journey on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in late August. Transforming into the Rainbow Train, the event will include live performances, culinary delights, signature drinks and a variety of fun activities.

“All of our events are open to anyone, and we love it when just anyone shows up,” Zuke says.