Kitty of Parnell Productions was happy to discuss all the new events that are part of this year鈥檚 pride celebration and brought to you through the Queer Culture.
鈥淥n Aug. 22 we have a White Party at Locals that is Art and Opera. We have work by Esther Sample, Cole Speck, and Kathleen Urdahl. There鈥檚 a cocktail and amuse-bouche between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.. There is an opera singer and live pianist,鈥� said Kitty.
The event calls for everyone to dress in their finest white attire and all proceeds from the event tickets go to the Queer Culture Bursary fund. Each year the bursary team takes applications from students and picks one based on their personal essays. The money goes directly to the student who wins.
鈥淲e try to give away $5,000 each year and we've given away over $50,000 in the last eight years.鈥�
Aug. 23 Queer Culture will be part of Pulse on the Plaza at Duncan and Sixth Street from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event brings together art, music, food, fun and community.
The main event, the Pride Parade, takes place at noon on Aug. 24, running down Fifth street to Simms park where the Pride in the Park event will take place. There will be live music, performances, vendors, a kids zone and drag story time.
鈥淲e've actually got a huge flag that we borrowed from Powell River, which at the end of the parade, everybody can get up and help carry this huge flag down to Pride in the Park,鈥� said Kitty.
Following that, is the Big Top Pride Party on Aug. 24 at Wayward Distillery. The rave-like party has a carnival theme and will go from 9:00 p.m. until 2 a.m. and include games such as corn hole, ring toss and a dunk tank that鈥檒l make a splash. DJ Fall On Beats and Alijah will be providing music for the evening. The night鈥檚 festivities are brought to you by Victor Anasimiv.
Last but not least is the Drag Brunch on Aug. 25 at Match Eatery and Public House in Courtenay. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and features PM for a Good Time, Cherry Laurel, Toddy, Mikki Wikki, and is hosted by comedian Jane Stanton from Vancouver. Once again, all proceeds go to the Queer Culture bursary fund.
