Hoping to work off the success of last year’s virtual event, North Bay Pride has received federal support to hold this year’s festivities.
Jason Maclennan, the Communications Coordinator for North Bay Pride, says the group applied for the Canada Heritage Fund, which supports arts and culture, following last September’s event.
“We’re now developing a successful track record which is great because that helps as we move forward,” he said.
Maclennan says the $41,000 grant will provide the bulk of the funding for this year’s festivities, which he says is helpful given sponsorship is tough to get.
“Businesses are having a hard time deciding if they are in the position to sponsor things this year. Last year, we were feeling it with our sponsors and this year is the same,” he recalled.
As for this year’s festival, Maclennan says organizers are trying to navigate the uncertain road ahead in terms of COVID-19 restrictions.
“We’re trying to figure out events that, if we don’t have an audience, they can still go ahead virtually,” he explained. “We’re hoping for the best but accepting the reality that in-person may not be a reality in September.”
Last year’s Pride festival was one of the few that went on in Canada. The three-day virtual celebration had presentations and performances live-streamed from the Capitol Centre and included headliners Bif Naked and Colin Mochrie.
“We set the bar pretty high,” Maclennan noted. “We’ve heard from other Prides wondering how we did it and what we did so I think people are watching to see what we will do and we’ll do our best to make it worthwhile.”
With the successful federal grant, Maclennan says it’s a weight off of the chest of organizers, who are working to put forth an educational and inclusive Pride event.
“The 2SLGBTQ community can be marginalized and discriminated against. Equality is still an issue today in the workplace. That’s why it’s so important that Pride keeps moving forward and keeps showing up,” he said. “It really is about getting the opportunity to educate and celebrate. Whether it’s online completely or it’s some kind of in-person event.”
