Kamloops first downtown pride parade kicks off Sunday

Aug 18, 2017 | 5:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — You can expect plenty of colour and glitter throughout downtown Kamloops this weekend as the city’s first downtown pride parade kicks off Sunday.

Hundreds of people and more than 50 businesses and organizations are set to take part in this year’s parade titled ‘Out in the Street’.

The event is focused on celebrating the LGBTQ community and has been taking place at TRU for years.

Pride President Kirstin McLaughlin says it was time to push the event to a grander scale.

“Having a first downtown pride parade is really important,” said McLaughlin. “There are smaller communities like Prince George that have had pride parades for 20 years, so it was time for us to step up.  As our first year downtown, we don’t have motorized vehicles but you can certainly expect to see all of the fun and hoopla of a pride parade. Lots of colour, glitter and boas.”

Organizers say the parade is scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. at Riverside Park.

“We’re going to leave Riverside Park, walk down Fifth Avenue, then head down Lansdowne Street back to the park,” said Andrea Klassen, Vice President for Kamloops Pride. “There will be a lane open on Lansdowne for motorists, Seymour will also be accessible.”

Those taking part in the parade are asked to register at 10 a.m. at Riverside Park.