People came from across the province to take part in North Bay Pride events leading up to Saturday’s Pride march.
Some have been in North Bay since Wednesday in anticipation of the festivities.
A bus carrying 30 members of Sudbury Pride made the trip down the highway to be part of the march.
“Sudbury Pride really wants to support all the Pride’s across the north, and it was our pleasure to come here and celebrate with them. We need to band together. We need to support each other and celebrate together,” said Michelle Gauthier co-chair for Sudbury Pride.
Fred Hahn President of CUPE Ontario recognized union members from Kingston, Sudbury and Toronto.
“We all understand how incredible this is to have it in North Bay, partly because of Henri Giroux who is the leader of the North Bay and District Labour Council. We’re really proud to be in the same union as Henri,” said Hahn.
“It’s so important that people understand that Pride is not a Toronto thing, it’s everywhere in the province. Last year in North Bay it was the inaugural Pride, now this year it’s growing. It’s so incredible to be here with our members, with the great people of this city to celebrate the diversity of this city, the diversity of our entire province. It means a great deal to be here.”
Giroux and his wife Amanda Farrow Giroux received the North Bay Pride Ally Award for the work they continue to do for Pride. The couple was instrumental in helping made last year’s march and community picnic a reality.
North Bay resident Nick George, one of two grand marshals, was overwhelmed by the huge turnout outside city hall, where the Pride and Trans flags were hoisted Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s been great. Everybody has been getting along. We’ve been dancing in the crowd. I feel full of Pride, seeing so much happiness, and our events have been really well attended.”
Xica Rodrigues from Toronto shared the role of grand marshal.
“I’m here to promote love, acceptance, and get rid of tolerance because tolerant people are arrogant people, and I think we need to move on to a new level of acceptance.”
Prior to the walk, people were asked to take part in a moment of silence to remember those who have lost their lives “trying to be themselves”.
Escorted by members of North Bay Fire and Emergency Services, OPP and the North Bay Police Service, the boisterous group of marchers sang, cheered, waved flags and blew whistles as they made their way down Main Street to the waterfront.
Walking down Wyld Street as a first-time participant in the North Bay Pride march, Victoria Jordan was in awe of the support they were given.
“Such a lovely, beautiful day we have to enjoy who we are, how we were born. I’ve attended every event and it’s been very heartwarming to see the acceptance, not tolerance.”
Some people lined the route out of curiosity, others to shout their support. Patrons at an outdoor restaurant patio waved to the marchers.
Manager of Splurge Fine Clothing for Women, Maureen Bentley stood outside her Main Street store, waving to the crowd, enjoying the party like atmosphere.
“We’re absolutely thrilled because this is what being an open, accepting town is all about, accepting and encouraging diversity within our community. And we are just thrilled with the turnout and most especially, to see so many young families. It’s very, very encouraging.”
The afternoon was spent at the waterfront enjoying a community picnic, hosted by the North Bay and District Labour Council.
