Tara Jeffrey
Crystal Fach says people will be ready to celebrate at Sarnia’s inaugural PrideFest this summer.
“Sometimes with any marginalized group in our community, we are always focused on the oppression that particular demographic faces,” said the co-founder of Diversity Ed - Safer Spaces Canada, which is hosting the event.
“This is more lighthearted, and we get to showcase our art and our performers, and just have fun with the greater community.”
PrideFest will be held July 15-17 at Centennial Park’s Suncor Agora and feature three days of live music, drag shows, food, vendors and more.
Friday’s entertainment lineup will showcase Black, Indigenous, people of colour, trans artists and allies, said Fach, pointing to Anishinaabe artists Brothers Wilde from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, Canada’s Drag Race’s Ilona Verley, and others.
Saturday’s main event will feature a Lavender Promotions drag show with performers from across Ontario, including Saltina Shaker, Aurora Matrix, Sunshine Glitterchild and more.
An open stage session hosted by Poison Ivy-Lee and Sheerah Mae Heartt will invite anyone looking to showcase their talents, Fach added.
Sunday includes Drag Queen Storytime, hosted by The Book Keeper, and other family-friendly entertainment and activities.
“We’ve been doing a lot of drag shows in the community but a lot of people haven’t been able to attend,” said Fach. “So to be able to come out and experience it live, on stage and outside — I think people are excited and ready for it.”
Diversity Ed launched last fall with the goal of providing awareness and programming to foster a safer community for 2SLGBTQAI+ individuals, their families and allies.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest
WHEN: July 15-17
WHERE: Suncor Agora Park
DETAILS: For more, visit www.diversityed.ca/sarnia-lambton-pridefest. For tickets, visit https://lavendertickets.com/tc-events/sarnia-lambton-pridefest/.