Samantha Nickerson and Marni Fedeyko have chatted for a long time about co-hosting an event together, and they thought what better way than celebrating both diversity and inclusion in Cochrane than a Pride parade.
So Cochrane’s first Pride parade will be held on August 24th, 2022.
With Pride week being celebrated from August 21-26 in Cochrane, the pair thought they would come together to add a safe and vibrant component to the action-packed week.
“As Cochrane opens its arms to newcomers every day, it is important to show them what kind of town we are. Love lives here and everyone is welcome. Showing our Pride is also about being proud of our community,” Nickerson said in a press release.
For Fedeyko, the addition of a parade is just another element of a growing movement of acceptance.
“I am happy to see this come to fruition," she said. "Celebrating who we all are as individuals is important to me. This parade to me is not about sexuality, rather a way to shine a light on our individual uniqueness.”
While the duo is just getting started, they can confirm there will be no cost to participants for joining.
“If some businesses want to put a float in, we would love that,” Nickerson said.
Individuals are welcome to enter as well, and Nickerson said people are encouraged to express whatever Pride means to them.
“It’s not necessarily focused on sexuality, but it could be pride in living here, pride in who you are, whatever Pride means to anyone,” she said.
With form-up beginning at noon, the parade is anticipated to kick off at 1 p.m.
Form-up will start on First Street W at the Brightpath parking lot (behind the FAS GAS) and end at the old Ford parking lot just off of Centre Avenue.
Further announcements of entertainment and additional components will be added as the date approaches. For now, Nickerson and Fedeyko are looking for businesses and individuals to participate in what they hope will become Cochrane’s most colourful and fun event.
For more details, follow the Cochrane Pride Parade Facebook page. Those wishing to participate can reach out to the organizers at [email protected].
