Staff and friends from RBC branches in Annapolis County and Digby carried a giant Pride flag in the July 5 Annapolis Royal Pride Parade. The group was just arriving at the end of the parade route by market square Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentPeople lined the streets as the Annapolis Royal Pride Parade made its way through the historic town July 5.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“It’s amazing, living in a small town and seeing all these people,” said president Cameron Stiff. “It’s really heartwarming.”Article contentArticle contentHe commended those who turned out to show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.Article content“This means a lot to a lot of people.”Article contentIt is even more important given the hateful rhetoric coming out of the United States.Article contentArticle contentA realtor by trade, Stiff said he has had American clients call him and ask about moving north of the border because of the current climate.Article content“It’s very scary for a lot of people, especially our trans brothers and sisters.”Article contentThe festival, which started July 3, included various events such as a community conversation entitled, Why We’re Here: Understanding the Power and Purpose of Pride, paint the town rainbow, a flag-raising ceremony and a screening of Desert Hearts at King’s Theatre. This year’s theme was Shine Your Light.Article content Capt. Garden Tait, of 14 Wing Pipes and Drums, plays the bagpipes July 5 during the Annapolis Royal Pride Parade. Tait also introduced the world to Jessie Bel in the talent show during the Pride Festival. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentTown crier Christine Igot led the parade from the courthouse to centre square on a sunny day with the temperature reaching 23 C. After the 600-metre march, she read a cry.Article content“Pride is always a celebration – a celebration of love, a celebration of showing your true colours and being who you are,” she said to a round of cheers.Article contentArticle content Town crier Christine Igot led the Annapolis Royal Pride Parade on July 4. The temperature was 23 C during the parade. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle content“Pride is also a protest – a protest against hate; a protest against discrimination.Article contentArticle content“Pride is also a light in the darkness. A light to guide those who need to see, but most of all, a light to remind us not to despair. So, shine your light. Shine it big and shine it true.”Article content 14 Wing Greenwood’s Capt. Michelle Backhouse, left, carries the transgender flag attached to a hockey stick with Pride tape on its blade during the Annapolis Royal Pride Parade on July 5. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentStiff applauded the federal government’s recent investment of $1.5 million towards the Community Safety Fund. Pride festivals and 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations will be able to apply for funding to help address growing safety concerns due to hate.Article content“I think that’s one of the greatest things about this country – our commitment to equality and fairness for all,” he said.Article content Annapolis MLA David Bowlby walked in the Annapolis Royal Pride Parade with County of Annapolis Coun. Lynn Longmire, left, and director of community development Debra Ryan. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentStiff said the four-day festival was going well with everybody having a good time. He said the organization wants to build on the momentum by having events throughout the year.Article content Clementsport’s Hannah Bishop, 10, gets a rainbow painted on her face while her brother Ben, 8, waits his turn July 5 at Fort Anne National Historic Site. Margaretsville’s Juele Hortie is the artist. A series of Pride family events occurred during the morning at the fort. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle content
Annapolis Royal Pride president pleased with parade turnout
