The Kamloops Pride Parade drew hundreds of onlookers on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022.

(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)

Downtown Kamloops was a whirl of rainbow colours, music, honking and cheering as the Kamloops Pride parade participants danced along Victoria Street this morning.

Hundreds of people made up the parade, donning creative hairdos and bright, decorative costumes, today, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. Hundreds more people, kids and pets lined the sidewalks to cheer them on.

“It is so encouraging and uplifting to see this kind of support for such an important cause,” said resident Valerie Nicole who sat on the sidewalk soaking up the sights and sounds.

The parade was the perfect way to wrap up a jam packed week of entertainment and events at this years’ annual Pride Week that finally returned after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus.

Kamloops resident Valerie Nicole watched the Kamloops Pride Parade on Aug. 28, 2022.

(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)

“I came out a few years ago and I would never go back,” Nicole said. “It is getting a lot easier for people to be themselves but there is still work to do. In bigger cities like Vancouver all lifestyles are generally more accepted, so it is really incredible to see a smaller city showing such a great amount of support, acceptance and openness.”

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Former city councillor, who is running again, Nancy Bepple marched at the front of the parade, wearing a rainbow coloured lay and rainbow socks.

“I am so proud to be here,” she said. “This event is great for the community. We are a welcome and open place so this is fantastic.”

Former city councillor Nancy Bepple in the Kamloops Pride Parade on Aug. 28, 2022, beside a person in costume.

(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)

Everyone from babies to the elderly could be seen enjoying the parade, and even some of the four-legged friends were dressed up for the occasion.

Gladys the bassett hound wore her festive rainbow-coloured shirt and graciously accepted pets from passersby.

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“This is the first time Gladys has attended the parade,” said owner Samantha Garrett-Petts. “I come to all of the pride parades to watch the fun and show my support for a great cause.”

Gladys the Basset Hound dressed up for Kamloops Pride Parade on Aug. 28, 2022

(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)

Two hungry twin boys took a pause from watching the parade to have a much needed snack.

“They were getting cranky but they will be happy for a while now,” said Dad Hal Hicks. “Our family lives in the downtown area so this was a fun way to spend part of the day.”

Kamloops resident Hal Hicks stops to feed his twin boys during the Kamloops Pride Parade on Aug. 28, 2022.

Image Credit: Shannon Ainslie

The parade took about an hour to clear the downtown stretch.

A gathering at Riverside Park followed for a fun-filled festival and “Afterparty in the Park” from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. that included dozens of local vendors.

Speeches and performances in the bandshell are scheduled throughout the afternoon.

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