Image Credit: CFJC Today/Kamloops Pride

By Adam Donnelly

AUGUST 22 - 28

Kamloops Pride Week is set to kick off on Monday

Aug 18, 2022 | 4:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — The fourth annual Kamloops Pride Week gets underway on Monday, with a Pride Week kick-off event at Riverside Park. Throughout the week, there will be an array of events held throughout the community — from art shows to drag shows and dances, there will be something to pique everyone’s interest.

“We’re going to have a comedy show. The next night, there will be an art show at Kamloops United Church — that’s a family-friendly event,” Ashton O’Brien, Kamloops Pride President explains.

The list goes on. Kamloops Pride Week 2022 — the first in-person pride event hosted by Kamloops Pride since 2019 — should have something for everyone, according to Kamloops Pride President Ashton O’Brien.

“We want to make sure that everyone understands that allies are welcome,” O’Brien says. “We want these to be family events, too. This year, we’ve made sure most of our events are. We’re just requesting donations, they’re not ticketed, so we want to make sure more people can attend.”

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There are drag shows, a nature walk, and dances for youth and for the 19+ crowd. Of course, the marquee event is the Pride Parade, which will take place downtown Sunday, August 28.

“It’s definitely the most well-attended of the Pride Week events, for sure, seeing all those spectators lined up on the streets,” O’Brien says. “I think people are looking forward to having an in-person parade this year, as it’s been two years since we’ve done that.”

Some of the events, like the drag brunch, comedy show, and dances are ticketed events, and tickets are going fast. If you’re interested in attending, or just want some more info on the other Pride Week festivities, you can visit the Kamloops Pride website to learn more.

And if you’ve never been to a Pride Week event, but are interested in going, O’Brien has some advice for you.

“Enjoy it. Please, take in the Queer Culture. I think that’s something everyone can enjoy here in Kamloops. I think it’s good for everybody to experience it, a little bit.”