Cobourg announces Pride line-up
Image from the Trent Hills Pride Facebook
By Cecilia Nasmith
In Cobourg, Pride Month begins with a flag raising Monday, June 8, at 11 a.m. in front of Victoria Hall – an opportunity for members of the community to show solidarity, promote dialogue, and affirm their commitment to inclusivity.
Pride Month brings the town together to celebrate the history, courage and diversity of Cobourg's Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and other people identify as part of sexual- and gender-diverse communities (known collectively as 2SLGBT+).
To demonstrate the town's commitment to the unique challenges these communities face to build a more inclusive and equitable Cobourg, the Pride flag will fly at Victoria Hall and Jubilee Park throughout the month. The flag raising at Victoria Hall will feature Mayor Lucas Cleveland, council members, town staff and representatives from PFLAG Canada's Cobourg chapter for brief remarks.
Other events are planned for Pride Month as well.
June 7 – YMCA Northumberland's Rainbow Run begins at the Cobourg Yacht Club, a family-friendly event that includes a Kids Bubble Dash at 10 a.m. followed by a 2.5-km. and 5-km. Run (with walk options) at 10:25 a.m. Participants will travel along the waterfront and through the downtown to celebrate love, inclusion and diversity. Proceeds will support the Y's Strong Communities Campaign and Northumberland Pride. Strollers, furry friends, colourful attire and community spirit are all encouraged, and you can register at ymcanrt.org/rainbowrun
Please note that King Street West will be closed for this June 7 event between Spring and Division streets from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
June 8 – Cobourg Police Community Barbecue is offered free at the police station (107 King St. W.) at 11:30. Everyone is welcome, and donations for the local PFLAG chapter are appreciated.
June 20 – Downtown Cobourg PRIDE is a street celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a kids' zone, street market, extended patios, drag performances, food trucks and more, all starting with an 11 a.m. Pride Parade travelling from Victoria Park west to the police station.
Please note that King Street West (from Spring to Division Street) and Second Street will be closed from 7 a.m. June 20 through 7 a.m. June 21 to create a pedestrian-friendly walkway and accommodate extended patios throughout the evening.
As well, King Street East from Division Street to McGill will also be closed June 20 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for the Pride Parade.
All month – The Cobourg Public Library offers a curated collection of 2SLGBTQ+ books and resources on the second floor, showcasing inspiring memoirs, fiction, history and more. Library staff will also participate in the Pride Parade, sharing information about library services and upcoming summer programs (for more information, visit www.cobourg.library.on.ca
