Lethbridge Pride Parade (Lethbridge News NOW)

By Lara Fominoff

Proud Pride Parade

Hundreds line streets for 11th annual Lethbridge Pride Parade

Jun 22, 2019 | 3:56 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – If there was an unofficial theme at this year’s Lethbridge Pride Parade and festivities, it was “hugs.” There were mom hugs and dad hugs advertised, hetero hugs, bear hugs, friend hugs, significant other hugs, and lots and lots of mascot hugs.

Mom and Dad Hugs (Lethbridge News NOW)

Those offering the hugs wore it on their t-shirts, on signs, or simply walked around offering them to anyone and everyone who wanted one. “Who doesn’t want a hug? Can I have one?” asked one woman dressed in a rainbow tutu and sporting colourful hair.

Walking the grounds of Galt Gardens before the parade was Garrett Preston, who held a sign he’d made in the few days before the parade.

“I feel like people in the Pride community support each other, but I feel like everybody should know that heterosexuals support Pride as well. We should all support one another,” he said.

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“This is the third year I’ve been down here, and I just noticed that I didn’t see any signs or anything of people that boost this. A cop just stopped me and gave me two hugs. LPS gave me two hugs,” he said with a smile. “We need more people to support the pride community.”

Hugs from Garrett (Lethbridge News NOW)

The weather held out this year; no rain or gloomy sky. And as 11:00 a.m. came and went, the hundreds of people who lined 3 Ave. S, almost held their breath in anticipation of the party that was about to begin.

And most people really could consider it a party. The TD float – made up of a giant semi-truck and flat bed trailer was one of the first in the lineup, blasting music to get parade goers “in the mood.” Everywhere you looked, there were mini-pride and trans flags waving wildly in the air; smiles on people’s faces as bubbles blew through the air.

Pride Parade (Lethbridge News NOW)

The B-93.3 FM/ Country 95.5 FM Summer Cruiser was also in the parade, along with floats from many local businesses, labour groups, outreach and LGBTQ+ support groups. NDP MLA Shannon Phillips took part, along with Alberta Liberal Party Leader David Kahn. The Fort Macleod and Taber Pride and Alliance groups also took part.

Lethbridge Pride Parade (Lethbridge News NOW)

After the parade was over, the party continued for the rest of the afternoon in Galt Gardens, capping off a successful Pride week.