By Vanessa Balintec
For the fourth year running Minden will have a week filled with fun inclusive activities and events for all to enjoy in the name of LGBTQ pride.
“I think everybody’s going to have a very wonderful time” said Minden Pride chair David Rankin who’s been involved with the event for three years. “There’s going to be a lot of excitement for everybody a lot of fun a lot of interaction and socialization.”
Minden Pride kicks it off with the flag raising on Monday Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Minden Hills municipal building while The Minden Pride Players perform live music. Reception follows after at 10:45 a.m. right across the street at Up River Trading Co.
A relaxing night in Movie Night takes place on Tuesday Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre where critically acclaimed drama Tru Love by award-winning filmmaker Kate Johnston will be screened. With a special appearance from the director herself the night will end with a Q&A session about the film.
The Community Meet and Greet will take place on Wednesday Aug. 21 between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m at Boshkung Social with live entertainment from Nick & Benton providing ample opportunity to mingle and socialize.
On Thursday Aug. 22 Trivia Night will be held at The Dominion Hotel and Pub from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. To participate five-person teams must register early for $5 per participant. Earlier on in the day as an all-ages event Drag Queen Story Hour will be held at the Minden Hills library branch at 10:10 a.m.
An exciting addition to the line-up the Burlesque Ball will be held at the Pinestone Resort from 8 p.m. to close on Friday Aug. 23. Featuring drag queens and musical entertainment tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at Russell Red Records in Haliburton and at both Up River Trading Co. locations in Minden and Haliburton and online: russellredrecords.ca.
On Saturday Aug. 24 the 19+ event Tea Dance will be underway from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dominion Hotel and Pub where live entertainment door prizes food and a new silent auction will be showcased.
The last day of the week Sunday Aug. 25 features two main events. A multi-faith service at 1 p.m. at the Highland Hills United Church for people of all faiths to participate in will have hosts of the event coming from Anglican First Nations and Buddhist expertise and backgrounds. Street Fest will take place down Water Street from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and will showcase a variety of food exhibitors vendors special live entertainment and games.
“This community is extremely welcoming and we have really felt embraced” said Rankin. “There are still a lot of people both young individuals and older people who are feeling isolated because they’re not really aware that they can be out and open and recognized that they are not alone in this community. It’s important that they understand that they’re not alone.”
For more information on tickets pricing volunteer sign-up and general information about Pride Week visit www.mindenpride.ca.
