By Catherine Stewart (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: September 24, 2014
Participants in the Abbotsford Pride parade braved sweltering heat to show their support for diversity and pride Sunday.
Abbotsford Pride was put on by the Fraser Valley Youth Society (FVYS), whose mission is “to build and maintain networks and opportunities for learning, support and expression among, around and about queer and questioning youth in the Fraser Valley.”
It was the parade’s second year running and a cozy gathering of supporters came together to create a welcoming atmosphere, including a shoeless SUS president Ryan Peterson.
The pride festivities began with a colourful march through town at 12:30 p.m. Once 1 p.m. struck, the fun was brought back to Rotary Stadium. Along the field at the stadium were games set up at a few select tents for everyone’s enjoyment, along with live entertainment, and a concession at the front gates.
A number of family-friendly tents, including a photobooth, popcorn vender, and a face-painting table found a congregation of kids. Most tables sold colourful pride swag to raise money for the FVYS’s drop-in programs in Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack.
Abbotsford Pride will likely be back again next year, perhaps with even more people coming out. No pun intended.
