It may be a small town, but Belleville’s pride has grown exponentially in the few years since Pride in the Park’s inception. Begun in the early 2000’s, Pride in the Park was originally a community picnic, potluck, and barbecue event that welcomed and celebrated LGBTQ+ persons and their allies in the community. It has picked up steam over the past ten years and has grown to include a chock-full weekend of activities from games, to crafts, to a downtown parade.
New to the roster this year, Pride in the Park will welcome comedian Elvira Kurt, performing on Friday night (July 3rd) preceding Saturday’s parade festivities on July 4th. Tickets to the “Pre-Pride Party” comedy show are available here, or find them at Sweet Escapes 279 Front Street, downtown Belleville and at Books & Company 289 Main Street, Picton.
“I see Pride as a blending of diversity and inclusivity cloaked in fun and celebration,with an awareness of victories gained and challenges still to be won,” says organizer Eric Hargreaves. “We celebrate the fact that as society embraces the marginalized, all of that society benefits.”
Join in on the Pride parade celebration at 12pm on Saturday, July 4th at Empire Square, Downtown Belleville.
