The newly painted rainbow sidewalk, Armstrong.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED: Janine Carscadden
May 20, 2022 - 6:00 AM
The City of Armstrong is set to hold its first official Pride festival and which will feature the unveiling of its new rainbow sidewalk.
Armstrong Pride Society president Janine Carscadden said she and her partner Eva Ekeroph approached council last summer and lobbied for a rainbow crosswalk.
Carscadden said councillors were immediately supportive, and approved the rainbow sidewalk months later.
"It is really important, particularly for the young people of our community, ensuring young people that live in Armstrong and Spallumcheen know that they are recognized, they are acknowledged, they are celebrated, and they are safe, that they can be who they are in that community and their community surrounds them with love and support," Carscadden said.
While a rainbow crosswalk is ordinarily the norm, Armstrong council decided on a section of sidewalk, which requires much less maintenance than a crosswalk.
The sidewalk is strategically placed next to the Welcome to Armstrong sign.
"It's not only for young people it's for everyone in the LGBT community, who is reluctant to come out living in a rural environment or rural community," Carscadden said.
The official unveiling of the rainbow sidewalk is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 4, which will then be followed by the Pride in the Park event.
Carscadden said this will be Armstrong's first-ever official Pride festival.
The event runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and takes place in Memorial Park.
There will be a stage with music, face painting and other activities for kids, and a family-friendly drag king.
For more information go here.
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