This is a huge week for North Bay Pride.
Several events are lined up including Saturday’s Pride parade and picnic followed by the concert at Laurentian Ski Hill, featuring Bif Naked.
The Canadian rocker has performed here several times over the last 25 years but says it’s always special to work with North Bay Pride.
“When you get to know people, work with them and bond with them, you kind of become family in many ways,” Bif says. “That’s really how I feel about everyone on the team at North Bay Pride, from the first year that I was there. It just felt like home.”
Ria Mae and Mackenzie Drive are also performing Saturday.
The concert is free with donations being accepted.
North Bay Pride events begin on Wednesday afternoon with a flag raising at North Bay City Hall.
“Something that sounds as simple as a flag raising at city hall is huge, it’s massive,” Bif says. “There are so many generations of people who have worked tirelessly and who have fought for something this simple but for the city to embrace all of its community members is really a beautiful thing.”
Wednesday night is the mayoral debate at 150 First Ave West.
It’s also being broadcast on North Bay Pride’s Facebook page.
Other events include Thursday’s Drag Persona Contest along with a Trans March, yacht party and fireworks on Friday.
Bif says North Bay Pride is a movement towards a more inclusive city.
“What that means is us all living as friends, neighbours and family regardless of any differences between us,” she says. “It’s important to celebrate the unique and diverse differences between us all as humans and just have a beautiful, loving community. And I think it’s possible.”
On top of recording and releasing new music this year, Bif Naked is also going before the cameras in a new documentary on her life and career. “Bif Naked: One of a Kind” will air on Super Channel in early 2024.
Visit northbaypride.ca for more information on this week’s events.
