Downtown Fernie was filled with colourful rainbow flags last week for the annual Elk Valley Pride Festival.
The event, which ran from Sept. 20 to 24, was a celebration of identity and self-expression. The 2SLGBTQ+ community proudly displayed their colours, and allies provided support and acceptance. The week of festivities included drag performances, live music, skateboard decorating, a public swim and a bike parade.
“Everybody deserves to fully participate in their communities and if these events really bring people together and allow community to form, then Fernie Pride is thrilled with that. We really just want to make sure that everybody has a place that’s safe and that they know that they belong,” event coordinator Courtney Baker told The Free Press.