Stratford Pride Parade

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On Sunday Stratford-Perth Pride held their annual Pride Parade and gathering in Upper Queens Park near the Festival Theatre. Kate and I came out for the parade which started at the Tom Patterson Theatre and wandered along Lakeside Drive to a series of events held in Upper Queens Park. 

It was a wonderfully warm sunny day, a perfect June day for a parade. There were lots of colorful costumes including several cute dogs (usually I hate dogs at public events but these were well behaved). Participants were welcomed by the organizers, the Equity Director from the Stratford Festival and the mayor of the city (Martin Ritsma). It was well attended — there were young and old, rich and poor, all matter of human kind including the local MPP (Matthew Rae). It was very well attended and everyone was having fun gathering together and celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion. Something to be proud of.

Kate and I had attended a similar parade, perhaps the first or second, some years ago pre-pandemic in Stratford. This parade was even better attended. With our recent mobility issues we were unable to walk in the parade route or take part in any of the events in the park. But we're glad were able to participate in our own small way.

Next Sunday, a similar Pride event will be held on the Flats in St Marys and we'll be there.