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By Veronica Beltran

Williams Lake first Pride

Pride in the Puddle marks first large Pride Celebration in Williams Lake

Jul 3, 2019 | 10:16 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE–It’s the first time the Williams Lake Pride Society is taking to the streets of the city to celebrate Pride!

Pride in the Puddle is a two day long event, starting on July 27th and going until the 28th. A pride parade will kick off the event, followed by a party in the park, a pride dinner, and a coffee in the park event. Local vendors will be taking part in the weekend as well as local artisans.

The event isn’t just about celebrating, it’s also about giving back to the community; a food drive in support of of the local boys and girls club and the pregnancy outreach group will be taking place throughout the weekend.

“We are really hoping that whenever people come to any of our Pride in the Puddle events, they bring a non-perishable canned good with them so we can give back to the community.” –Brittany Cleminson, Acting President of the Williams Lake Pride Society

Cleminson is from Ontario and says that when she moved to Williams Lake she was surprised to find out that there was no Pride celebration. “It (Pride in the Puddle) shows that Williams Lake has been a progressive city, we’re moving forward, it can be a safe place for everyone who lives here, you know? Times are changing,” said Cleminson in an over the phone interview.

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Cleminson believes that this event really shows the support of the community, “I do know some people that did have some difficulties growing up here as a member of the (LGBTQ+) community and this event is designed to show the community is evolving. We are moving forward and it’s an inclusive and accepting community for everyone.”

She says that the City of Williams Lake was unanimously in favour of the event when it was presented to them, and that many local businesses and organizations have stepped up in support of the event.