Presented by the Lacombe Pride Society, the second annual Pride Weekend event is set to run Aug. 23-25.
It's a full weekend of events, kicking off on Friday, Aug. 23 with a flag-raising at Michener House Museum from 10 a.m. to noon.
Other Friday highlights include the 'EveryBody Swim' event from 1 to 3 p.m. which participants have to sign up for beforehand, and the 'Pride Corner On Whyte Pop-up' which begins at 4 p.m.
Wrapping things up on Friday is Pups and Pints at the Blindman Brewery which gets underway at 7 p.m.
"Pups and Pints is a chill event on Friday evening where people can bring their dogs out to the Blindman Brewery's patio," said Jonathan Luscombe, executive director of the Lacombe Pride Society,
"It was a lot of fun last year, and we will also be having a photo booth there for pictures with the puppies."
On Saturday, Aug. 24. Pride in the Park runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Lest We Forget Park by the LMC.
That evening, the Paint the Town Gay 18+ Drag Show hits the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre stage with doors opening at 7 and the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available soon (check www.lacombepride.com for updates).
On Sunday, the community is invited to the 2 Spirit Learning Day and Picnic at Popow Park from noon to 2 p.m.
"We are inviting an organization from Red Deer called HOME, which works to break down stereotypes around the 2 Spirit community. It will be a learning day/picnic, we will be playing some games, and they will be teaching us some things, too.
"We will have time to understand the culture behind 2 Spirit. It's a great opportunity for people to ask questions with those who have the knowledge and who have studied it. It's a cool way to see a different community of people in a different light, so that will be a lot of fun."
Luscombe said a visit from the Edmonton-based Pride Corner on Whyte is another new feature this year. He noted that on Whyte Avenue, there is a designated Pride corner where events take place.
"We are having them come down to Lacombe as they are going to small communities around the province," he said.
"They will be bringing their music, and all kinds of fun stuff and we will just have a great time dancing and celebrating."
During Pride in the Park on Saturday, there is an expanded line-up of performers including singers, drag performers, a Sylvan Lake band, and an aerial show.
"There will also be a lot more vendors this year - we had quite a bit of an uptick in the numbers of people who wanted to be a part of it," said Luscombe, adding there will also be a survey during Pride in the Park which will help the organization better meet the needs of those in the region, plus help with the preparation of grant applications and such.
"I'm excited for that. Plus, I just love seeing the community come together. I think it's one of my favourite, all-time things," he said, adding the organization also took part in the recent Lacombe Days parade.
He noted the response was very positive, and the group even landed second place in their category for clubs and organizations.
"We were walking along, and this older gentleman was there watching us. He saw us, he stood up and was cheering. He was wearing a pride jersey and decided to join us in the parade.
"It was so encouraging to see something like that. It gives people the ability to feel they can join (In), feel seen and heard," he said.
"This is what we are doing. We are giving people the space to feel that they can belong to something. I always find it fun to see when a community comes together - what things will happen, the connections that are made, and the joy you see on people's faces," he said.
"Thought Pride Weekend, we want people to find a community, and to be able to know that there is someone they can go to and they can trust, and feel seen and heard for being a part of it. I also want people to put aside prejudices and opinions, and come to see the beauty of what Pride is on people's faces who are part of the community."
For more details, visit www.lacombepride.com or follow the organization on several social media platforms.
