NEWS RELEASE
MUSKOKA PRIDE
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Muskoka Pride has announced that July 19 through 28 is the 2019 Muskoka Pride Festival. The annual week of activities celebrates the Muskoka lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.
This year’s celebration is special, according to Muskoka Pride board member Shawn Forth, because it recognizes 50 years of LGBTQ+ visibility and progress.
“The year 1969 saw two significant events in LGBTQ+ activism. In New York City the Stonewall riots that started June 28th are seen as the spark of LGBTQ+ activism after decades of police raids and brutality. In Canada on May 14, Bill C-150 partially decriminalized homosexuality and led to further legal protections.”
This year’s Festival theme is ‘Reflecting Pride.’
“We want participants to take time this year to reflect on the progress we have made in society in the last 50 years,” explains Forth, “and also to acknowledge that there remain many marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community – particularly transgender and gender-diverse folks, and queer people of colour. We want our community to commit to working toward full inclusion.”
FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY
The Pride Festival week begins on Friday, July 19 with the annual Pride Launch Party in Huntsville at River Mill Park. Over 300 people are expected to attend. There will be free hot dogs and drinks, live music with Emily Bridle and her band, over 15 vendors and community booths, a music DJ, and many activities for the whole family. Volunteers from the Huntsville Fire Department will once again be cooking food at the BBQ.
FLAG RAISINGS
All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Rainbow Pride flag on Monday, July 22. The public is invited to attend: 10 a.m. in Dwight and Port Severn, 11:15 a.m. in Huntsville and Wahta First Nation, 1 p.m. in Port Carling, 2:15 p.m. in Gravenhurst, and 3:15 p.m. in Bracebridge.
EVENTS
The week will play host to many events across Muskoka. A Pride Church service will be held at Bala United Church on July 21 followed by a community BBQ in the park. A community campfire on Wednesday July 24.
The annual mini-golf tournament at Northern Escapades Mini-Putt in Bracebridge is on Thursday, July 25 – families can play golf between 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. for only $2 each.
On Saturday, July 27 there will be a Drag Show at Sawdust City Brewery, which organizers expect to be at full capacity.
CONCERTS
On Thursday, July 25 the Huntsville Festival of the Arts has The Queer Songbook Orchestra playing at the Algonquin Theatre (tickets online). The Toronto based group is a 12-piece chamber pop ensemble, dedicated to exploring and uplifting LGBTA+ narrative through the lens of popular music.
On Friday, July 26, Bracebridge Memorial Arena plays host to Night Fever. Come and dance to the music of the Bee Gees and Freddie Mercury, performed by North America’s number one touring tribute band. Fresh off of appearances in the US and sold-out performances at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, this will be a show you won’t forget. Tickets are available online for $25
PICNIC and PARADE
The Muskoka Pride Festival will come to a close on Sunday, July 28 with the eleventh annual Muskoka Pride Picnic and the Muskoka Pride Parade.
The Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. along Manitoba Street (between Anne Street and Memorial Park), finishing at Memorial Park. Many groups have already signed up, but there is still time for additional groups to register online at www.muskokapride.com
The 11th annual Picnic takes place this year at Memorial Park in downtown Bracebridge from noon – 4 p.m.
This year’s Picnic will feature live music by local band, “The Dirty Little Swing Thing.” Local duet “Hot Pink” will play during the band’s intermissions. There will be over 35 vendors and community booths. There will be many children’s activities, including: Drag Queen story time, Home Depot kids building tent, face painting, and crafts.
The public is invited to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket as they enjoy this relaxed afternoon event. Food and beverages will be provided at this free family event. The Bracebridge Fire Department will be cooking at the BBQ again this year.
Everyone, no matter how you identify, is welcome to attend all Muskoka Pride events.
The Muskoka Pride would like to thank its numerous sponsors, including Festival Sponsors: The Town of Bracebridge, Boink Boutique, and Delta Bingo & Gaming. Signature Sponsors: McMaster’s Muskoka, Bala Cranberry Festival, TD Bank, and Walmart Canada. Media Sponsors: Star Metroland Media, Moose FM, Xtra.
To see a full schedule of events go to www.muskokapride.com or click “Events” on the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.
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