Tag: celebrate

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FATHOM EVENTS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS PICTURES PROUDLY PRESENT GLOBAL COMEDY SENSATION JO KOY IN A ONE-NIGHT-ONLY LIVE IN-PERSON EVENT TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF HIS GROUNDBREAKING NEW FEATURE FILM, EASTER SUNDAY

FATHOM EVENTS, UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS PICTURES PROUDLY PRESENT GLOBAL COMEDY SENSATION JO KOY IN A ONE-NIGHT-ONLY LIVE IN-PERSON EVENT TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF HIS GROUNDBREAKING NEW FEATURE FILM, EASTER SUNDAY

Fathom Events’ Easter Sunday: Live with Jo Koy, featuring an exclusive comedic introduction with Jo Koy, takes place on August 4, 2022

Easter Sunday, from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures, arrives in theaters nationwide August 5.

DENVER, July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Global stand-up comedy sensation Jo Koy will bring his singular and hilarious take on family matters to theaters nationwide with an exclusive comedic introduction as part of a celebration of his groundbreaking new feature film, Easter Sunday. Ahead of the film’s nationwide release on August 5, Fathom Events will present Koy’s live introduction in more than 850 theaters across the country on August 4, followed immediately by a full screening of the film from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures.

See trailer HERE.

Koy’s live introduction takes place on Thursday, Aug. 4, at AMC Lincoln Square in New York City and it will play in theaters nationwide LIVE at 8:00 pm ET and 5:00 pm PT and tape-delayed at 8:00 pm CT/MT/ PT.

In Easter Sunday, Koy (Jo Koy: In His Elements, Jo Koy: Comin’ in Hot) stars as a man returning home for an Easter celebration with his riotous, bickering, eating, drinking, laughing, loving family in this love letter to his Filipino-American community. 

“Fathom Events is excited to present this exclusive, live introduction from Jo Koy to kick off the debut of Easter Sunday; it’s what Event Cinema is all about,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “Jo’s comedy is so hilarious because it’s so relatable. Who doesn’t have crazy holiday traditions with their family?”

Tickets to Easter Sunday and this special live comedic introduction can be purchased online at www.fathomevents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Easter Sunday features an all-star comedic cast that includes Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley series), Tia Carrere (True Lies, Wayne’s World films), Brandon Wardell (Curb Your Enthusiasm series), Tony nominee Eva Noblezada (Broadway’s Hadestown), Lydia Gaston (Broadway’s The King and I), Asif Ali (WandaVision), Rodney To (Parks and Recreation series), Eugene Cordero (The Good Place series), Jay Chandrasekhar (I Love You, Man), Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip) and Lou Diamond Phillips (Courage Under Fire).

Easter Sunday, from DreamWorks Pictures, is directed by Jay Chandrasekhar (Super Troopers, The Dukes of Hazzard, I Love You, Man), from a script by Ken Cheng (Sin City Saints series) and Kate Angelo (Sex Tape) based on a story by Ken Cheng.

The film is produced by Rideback’s blockbuster producers Dan Lin (The Lego Movie franchise, It franchise) and Jonathan Eirich (Aladdin, The Two Popes), and is executive produced by Nick Reynolds, Joe Meloche, Jo Koy, Jessica Gao, Jimmy O. Yang, Ken Cheng and Seth William Meier. 

The film is distributed by Universal Pictures domestically. Amblin Partners and Universal share international distribution rights. 

Press Assets: Can be found HERE

About Fathom Events

Fathom is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry as one of the top distributors of content to movie theaters in North America. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom operates the largest cinema distribution network, delivering a wide variety of programming and experiences to cinema audiences in all of the top U.S. markets and to more than 45 countries. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

SOURCE Fathom Events

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Celebrate Saskatchewan Parks Week July 10 to 16 | News and Media

Park Programming

Released on July 11, 2022

The Government of Saskatchewan has officially designated July 10 to 16 as Parks Week, in conjunction with Canada’s Parks Day on July 16.

“Parks Week is currently underway with a series of fun programs and live performances offered throughout the week in a number of provincial parks,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “Parks Week is a great lead up to Canada’s Parks Day on July 16, an annual initiative led by the Canadian Parks Council to connect people to nature through fun, educational, family-oriented events and programs all across the country.”

This year’s Parks Week and Canada’s Parks Day will feature a series of themed programs in a number of provincial parks, with activities such as treasure hunts, guided hikes, crafts, painting and more. Times and dates for guided programs and events can be found by searching “Events & Tickets” by each park at http://parks.saskatchewan.ca. 

Park Programming

In addition to the themed programming, Blackstrap Provincial Park’s Beach Lu’au, hosted by Little Kahuna’s Beach Café and Tiki Bar, will run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 16. The event will include a Polynesian pulled pork bar, crafts, a treasure hunt, cornhole tournament, steel drum performance by The Steadies, an astronomy program, tiki cocktails and beer gardens. A detailed itinerary for the Lu’au can be found under “events” on Sask Parks’ Facebook page.

SaskExpress kicked off their provincial park tour on Thursday, July 7, in Moose Mountain Provincial Park with their “Going for Gold” performance, taking the world of Olympic athletes and mashing it with musical theatre for a funny, exciting and sure-to-impress live show. The remaining provincial park tour dates taking place during Parks Week are as follows: 

  • The Battlefords – July 14
  • Blackstrap – July 15
  • Saskatchewan Landing – July 16
  • Buffalo Pound – July 17

Showtimes are scheduled for 7 p.m., though locations or show times may change in the event of poor weather conditions. To receive important updates, visitors should pre-register online at parks.saskatchewan.ca or check Sask Parks’ Facebook page.

While Parks Week wraps up on July 16, the fun continues on Sunday, July 17 with a Beach, Beer & Brisket event at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. The day will include beach activities and games, brisket BBQ smoked by Yoder Smokers and beer gardens. The event is hosted by Waves Ice Cream and Mini Golf and Friends of Madge Lake, in partnership with Madge Lake Golf Resort and other local businesses.

Beach Games

For those looking for self-guided activity options, Discovery Packs are available to borrow at park visitor centres and entry gates and include everything needed to complete a craft, explore the park or conduct a science experiment. Themes include astro explorers, weather wonders, historic parks, disc golf and more.

New this year, free park activity booklets are also available for kids, full of puzzles, games, colouring sections and more. Booklets can be picked up at park visitor centres and entry gates.

To stay up to date on park programs, events and offerings, follow Sask Parks on Facebook at http://facebook.com/saskparks.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jalaine Thibault
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-529-4087
Email: jalaine.thibault@gov.sk.ca

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SmileCon events celebrate dental profession Houston culture

Everything is bigger in Texas, and SmileCon 2022 in Houston will be no exception.

From Opening and Closing Sessions that recognize dentists’ accomplishments and explore the future of dentistry to a street festival highlighting the culture of Houston, SmileCon will energize dentists as they gather to meet, play, learn and smile.

“SmileCon is a celebration of you, our member dentists, and all the ways you make your mark on dentistry. We hope you’ll walk out of every event with your head held high, proud to be part of a dynamic profession,” said American Dental Association Executive Director Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S. “We invite you to get inspired and enjoy all the ‘wow’ moments SmileCon has to offer. We’re going big, so don’t stay home.”

SmileCon is the ADA’s joint meeting with the 2022 Texas Dental Association Meeting and the 2023 Greater Houston Dental Society’s Star of the South Dental Meeting. It will take place Oct. 13-15 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Brené Brown, Ph.D., researcher and author of six No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, will kick off SmileCon during the Opening Session on Oct. 13. Dr. Brown has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy, and some of her bestsellers include “Atlas of the Heart” and “Dare to Lead.” Her TED Talk on the “Power of Vulnerability” is one of the top five most-viewed TED Talks in the world, with more than 50 million views.

During the Opening and Closing Sessions, attendees will explore ideas to fuel the future of the dental profession and hear real-life stories from their fellow dental professionals who work every day to uplift their communities.

They will celebrate the contributions of the 10 Under 10 Award winners during the Opening Session. The Closing Session on Oct. 15 will honor Distinguished Service Award winner Zack Studstill, D.M.D., current Alabama Dental Association executive director and past ADA trustee and second vice president, and Humanitarian Award winner Jeffrey B. Dalin, D.D.S., co-founder of the St. Louis Give Kids A Smile program.

ADA President Cesar R. Sabates, D.D.S., and Dr. Cohlmia will reflect on the past year during the Opening Session, while President-Elect George R. Shepley, D.D.S., will look to the year ahead during the Closing Session.

Both sessions are included with all three meeting passes: Platinum Smile Pass, Smile Pass and Dental Central Pass.

SmileCon Street Fest, taking place Oct. 14 along Avenida de las Americas outside the convention center, will be a night full of food, music and art.

Attendees can sample free bites of all the savory and sweet flavors of Houston, check out the city’s best brews, and explore food truck offerings available for purchase. The Houston music and art scenes will be on full display, with performances by Tejano and country bands, as well as live paintings, interactive art installations and Instagram-worthy photo ops.

The party will also offer some uniquely Texan experiences, from learning how to lasso a steer to creating a leather bracelet or luggage tag at a leather-stamping station, and new dentists will have a special VIP area all their own.

Street Fest admission is included with the Platinum Smile Pass and Smile Pass and costs $50 for Dental Central Pass holders. Tickets include food samples and two drinks.

Dentists can take their SmileCon continuing education to the next level by connecting, huddling and talking with speakers at C.H.A.T. events. During these events, participants can grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and get exclusive face time with one of the dental profession’s most respected educators to ask their questions or receive advice in a relaxed environment.

Many alumni and affiliate groups will be gathering at SmileCon, offering attendees a chance to strike up conversations, foster relationships and build meaningful connections. Former dental school classmates can rekindle their school spirit and reminisce during alumni receptions. Affiliate dental groups, including the American Association of Endodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, American Academy of Periodontology and more, will also host gatherings where members can connect with their friends and colleagues.

To learn more about SmileCon and to register, visit SmileCon.org.


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South Florida Cities Holding Events Monday to Celebrate July 4th Holiday

South Florida Cities Holding Events Monday to Celebrate July 4th Holiday

Across Miami-Dade and Broward on Monday, various cities will be holding events to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday on what will be America’s 246th birthday.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea will hold a town parade with family-friendly events from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at El Prado Park, located at 4500 El Mar Drive. Miami Beach will hold its Fire on the Fourth Festival starting at noon at 73rd Street and Collins Avenue.

The city of Tamarac will hold a celebration starting at noon at the Caporella Aquatic Complex (9300 NW 58th Street) following by an All-American Celebration from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Tamarac Sports Complex.

Miami-Dade County Parks will hold a fireworks celebration starting at 4 p.m. at Tropical Park.

The city of Davie will hold its annual Fun on the 4th celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pine Island Park, located at 3801 S. Pine Island Road.

A drive-in fireworks show will take place at Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, located at 21001 NW 27th Avenue, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the fireworks going off at 9 p.m.

The events conclude on Ocean Drive with a fireworks show and free patriotic concert at Lummus Park starting at 8:30 p.m.

For more events taking place across South Florida, click on this link.

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Celebrate Independence Day with summer events

Chamber announces upcoming events

The Independence Day weekend is here and there are so many ways to celebrate locally with something for everyone!

The annual Chautauqua County 4th of July parade will step off at 10am Monday, in Mayville. There are community celebrations featuring great food and live music at terrific outdoor parks in Dunkirk, Lakewood, and Mayville. You can watch the rubber duck race in Findley Lake at 10:30am and the Boat Parade at 2pm. Cherry Creek’s celebration will be held Saturday, with amusement rides, and a parade at 5pm.

For runners there are a couple of races on tap: the Marauder 5K in Dunkirk at 9am Saturday and the Firecracker Run at 9am Monday in Lakewood. For music lovers the Great Blue Heron Music Festival runs all weekend in Sherman. Baseball fans can enjoy the Jamestown Tarp Skunks at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park on Sunday or Monday. Take a ride on the historic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry. See Art in the Park at Miller Park in Chautauqua with free Sunday admission to the grounds.

If you’re looking for pyrotechnics, there are plenty of options. Flares will line the Cassadaga Lakes, Chautauqua Lake, and Findley Lake on the 4th of July. Fireworks displays will be held Saturday in Cherry Creek, Sunday in Bemus Point and Silver Creek, and on Monday in Dunkirk, Lakewood, and Mayville.

While all of these great events are unfolding for the holiday weekend, there is even more to come through the rest of the summer. Both Chautauqua Institution and Lily Dale Assembly have a full slate of programming through the season. Music on the Pier in Dunkirk is scheduled for every Thursday through the summer, while numerous other communities also offer free concerts in the park weekly including Cassadaga, Fredonia, Jamestown, Lakewood, Mayville and Silver Creek, while many local venues also feature live musical performances regularly. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute hosts Art After Five Wednesday evenings featuring live music and refreshments. Enjoy auto racing at Stateline Speedway Saturday nights.

Festivals and special events are also plentiful. The Scandinavian Folk Festival will be held July 16-17 at Northwest Arena in Jamestown. The Chautauqua County Fair returns to full strength this year July 18-24 at the Fairgrounds in Dunkirk. The Wild America Nature Festival returns to Panama Rocks July 29-31. The annual Gerry Rodeo is set for August 3-6. The National Comedy Center presents the 30th annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival August 3-7 in Jamestown. Jamestown Cruise-In is August 12.

This may look like a complete schedule, but it’s not. To find the most comprehensive listing of local events, concerts, and more, we urge you to visit the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau online events calendar at www.tourchautauqua.com/events. For those who lament that there’s ‘nothing to do here’ this calendar will change your mind.

In addition to enjoying all of the special programming and productions, we remind you to always support our small local businesses and attractions. It’s the restaurants, specialty retailers, and attractions and museums that really create a sense of place in our communities. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful options and hope you’ll seek them out, whether you’re looking for a quick sandwich or ice cream cone, or a fine dining experience.

TUESDAY TALKS: GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED

The Chamber of Commerce is continuing its series of Tuesday Talks based on marketing avenues for small businesses. Coming up in July we will focus on how to get your business noticed through the use of local media as well as some other pointers. This session may be valuable for all types of businesses, whether you’re in a retail or a service setting.

We hope you will join us online at 8:30am, Tuesday, July 19 for this informative panel discussion. Our panelists will include Andrew Hill from Media One Radio Group and Meredith Patton from the OBSERVER in Dunkirk. Register now through our online calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. This event is sponsored by LaBella Associates, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and the Small Business Development Center at JCC.

Tuesday Talks provide a convenient online forum for learning in a casual, panel discussion format. They are held via Zoom so attendees from all over the county can log on, learn something helpful, and then get back to their busy day. We hope you can join us.

SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 30TH ANNUAL SILVER CREEK YARD SALES

Registration is open now for the popular Silver Creek Yard Sales, scheduled for August 8. Homeowners that want to get listed on the map for this event can submit their registrations online through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org or can register in person at either of two Silver Creek businesses: Den’s Antiques, 8 Main Street, or at Silver Creek Optical, 41 Main Street. The cost to register is $10 per sale. Sales must be registered by August 1st in order to get on the map.

Yard sale maps will be sold in the village park in Silver Creek the morning of the sale day. Proceeds from the yard sale events help support scholarships from the Hanover Community Chamber of Commerce to graduating high school seniors at Forestville and Silver Creek High Schools.

EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS JULY 15 FOR THE CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

The annual Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is scheduled for August 18 at Peek’n Peak, featuring early bird pricing when golfers register by July 15. This special offer gets each golfer a $10 discount. The Chamber Golf Tournament is a great opportunity to entertain clients, reward employees, network with fellow golfers, and enjoy a round of golf on a beautiful pro-level course. The Chamber’s 2022 Golf Tournament is sponsored by A Automotive, AES/Empire Solar, Blackstone NEY Ultrasonics, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, Community Bank, Dahlstrom Roll Form, Dave Warren Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, DFT Communications, Express Employment Professionals, Jamestown Container Companies, Jamestown Kitchen & Bath, Jamestown Mattress Company, Koester Associates, LaBella Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and Shults Auto Group. Register online now through the Chamber’s web calendar event at www.chautauquachamber.org.



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Long weekend of events will celebrate 4th

This weekend, communities across southwest New Mexico will celebrate the birth of our nation with a range of festivities — including large events set to take place at Gough Park on Monday, July 4, itself.
The Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce will kick things off Monday morning at 8 in Gough Park with a breakfast prepared by the Kiwanis Club that includes scrambled eggs, sausage and a drink for $7. The flag will be officially raised in a ceremony at 9 a.m., with Keana Huerta singing the national anthem, and the Independence Day Parade will begin near the park at 10 a.m.
The parade theme this year is “America the Beautiful,” and Chamber leaders expect at least 100 entries, along with 62 vendors in Gough Park. The number of vendors has almost doubled since last year’s event.
“We have the Illusion Band that will be performing at 11 a.m., and the Silver Stompers will be performing a dance routine,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Romeo Cruz said. “At about 2:15 p.m., we will have the Siempre Band closing out the day.”
Park festivities will take place until 6 p.m., and a Kiwanis beef barbecue lunch will also be available for $10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“I was talking to park officials — they do this every year, and they are expecting, especially with this size, 7,000 to 9,000 people,” Cruz said. “It’s going to be a big show — our parade route is returning to the original.… Last year, it was changed due to the COVID requirements.”
The parade will start at Pope and 13th streets, and will turn left on College Avenue, right on Bullard Street, left on Broadway and make another left on Hudson for a return trip to Gough Park.
“We’re excited for this event. We hold this every year,” Cruz said. “We’re especially excited how people have turned out to want to be involved in this, and be involved in the parade and be a vendor. We support all local businesses, and we support the tourism here — this is great for Grant County.”
The Silver City Museum will hold its annual Ice Cream Social on Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two outside food vendors will be available, the Mint Chip Creamery and La Bonita Bakery, and hot dogs and other refreshments will also be offered in-house from the museum. Live music will be performed from a tent behind the museum with four live performances, and children’s activities, including crafts, face painting and games, will also be available.
“This is the 38th year that the museum has presented the Ice Cream Social for the public,” said Museum Director Bart Roselli. “It’s a great event for everybody, young and old.”
The Silver City Museum timed its event so that community members could enjoy the parade and events at Gough Park before ending the day at the museum.
“People have been asking whether we’re going to bring the cake walk back or not, and it’s definitely back this year,” Roselli said. “Dozens of volunteers in the community have baked a cake or [otherwise] given us a cake.”
They are anticipating a total of 40 donated cakes, according to museum Community Engagement Manager Sarah Zamora, who said they are still accepting more cake donations. To donate a cake, call the museum at 575-538-5921 and ask for Zamora.
A town-sponsored fireworks show will take place 30 minutes after sunset July 4, and will be launched from the Southwest Concrete and Paving plant behind the Grant County Administration Building.
“We were trying to do the same size show as we did the last couple of years,” said Silver City Town Manager Alex Brown. “Because of all the sourcing issues throughout the country we couldn’t get as much, but it’s still going to be a really nice show.”
The Silver City Fire Department will bring in additional personnel this year to ensure nothing goes wrong with the show, according to Brown.
To the north, Glenwood will host their Fourth of July Weekend at the Glenwood Park this year, starting Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight with a rodeo, art auction and dance. Sunday will see a pancake breakfast, followed by a dance and BBQ; and things wrap up Monday, July 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. with a veterans’ parade, dance and pulled pork sandwiches, and fireworks will fill the sky after dusk.
“Once you get through the first couple of years, it’s an annual event, and folks look forward to it,” said Glenwood Park board member Mark Sprague. “The ranch rodeo has a lot of teams that want to enter — it’s really turning into a fun event for everybody. It’s run well and it’s a good time. It’s a family time, and we just enjoy it.”
—JORDAN ARCHUNDE

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Mid-Missouri cities to celebrate Independence Day with events and fireworks displays – ABC17NEWS

Courtesy MGN Online

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Several Mid-Missouri cities are hosting multiple events for families and fireworks displays beginning Friday night and ending on Monday evening.

Check out the map and story below to find the one to watch.

LAKE OZARKS

Dale Hollow Winery – Stover

Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill – Sunrise Beach

  • July 3; Fireworks begin at dusk

Linn Creek Memorial Park – Linn Creek

  • July 3, Fireworks begin at dusk

Bear Bottom Resort – Sunrise Beach

  • July 2 and 4; 9:45 p.m. each night

The Wet Spot Bar & Grill – Stover

  • July 4; Fireworks begin at dusk

Celebration Cruises – Lake Ozark

  • July 4; Boarding 7:30 p.m. Returns at 9:30 p.m.

Eldon Model Airpark Airport (H79) – Eldon

  • July 4; Fireworks begin at dusk

Point Randall Resort – Lake Ozark

  • July 4; Fireworks begin at dusk

Lake Valley Country Club – Camdenton

  • July 4; Fireworks begin at dusk

The Lodge of Four Seasons – Lake Ozark

  • July 4; Fireworks begin at dusk

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks – Osage Beach

  • July 4; Fireworks begin at dusk

JEFFERSON CITY

Salute to America – Missouri State Capitol

  • July 4; Red, White, and Boom Fireworks Sky Concert at 9:45 
2022 Map.jpg
Salute Parking & Street Closure Map 2022.jpg

COLUMBIA

Fire in the Sky – Stephens Lake Park

  • July 4; Fireworks to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Fire in the Sky map 2022

HOLTS SUMMIT

Greenway Park

  • July 1; Fireworks Festival begins at 5 p.m.

MEXICO

Garfield Park

  • July 3; Show begins after dark

Optimist Ball Fields

  • July 4; Show begins after dark

BOONVILLE

Cooper County Fairgrounds

  • July 4; Show begins at dusk

HERMANN

Riverfront Park

  • July 3; A firework display over the Missouri River will begin at 9.

CENTRALIA

Centralia Recreation Park

  • July 2; The event will begin at or near dusk.

MOBERLY

Rothwell Park

  • July 4; Gates open at 4 p.m. fireworks show at dark, roughly 9:00 p.m.

CALIFORNIA

Proctor Park

  • July 4; Display begins at dusk

ASHLAND

Behind the YMCA

  • July 3; Fireworks begin at dusk

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After 3 year absence Pride returns to Edmonton to celebrate diversity, youth | CBC News

After 3 year absence Pride returns to Edmonton to celebrate diversity, youth | CBC News

Pride returned to Churchill Square in Edmonton this weekend with a diverse lineup of musical acts, comedy shows, drag performances and more. 

It’s been four years since the city has held any major Pride events following issues around diversity and the inclusion of police officers. In 2019 the Pride Festival was cancelled just 10 days before events were scheduled to begin. 

Trevor Watson, executive producer of Edmonton PrideFest which is hosting the weekend event, said he was happy to see Pride return to its “home” in Churchill Square. 

“Once we announced that Pride was coming back home to Churchill Square, I think it brought tears to a lot of people’s eyes in the community,” he said. 

Teens Phoenix Phillips (right) and Onyx Ellis attended their first Pride event on Saturday in Edmonton’s Churchill Square. (Julien LaTraverse/Radio-Canada)

In light of concerns over diversity and inclusion in the local LGBTQ community, organizers issued a statement encouraging people to wear red to support queer and/or trans people who are also Black, Indigenous and/or people of colour (QTBIPOC).

PrideFest asked attendees to bring non-perishable food donations for Raricanow, an Edmonton non-profit dedicated to helping the QTBIPOC community. 

After several years with no events, Watson said it was great to be back.

Edmonton PrideFest took place June 24 and 25 in Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton. (Emily Fitzpatrick/CBC)

“We haven’t had a big Pride celebration now for a number of years,” he said. “So what’s so exciting about today [is] this is the first pride for so many people.”

Two young people experiencing their first Pride were teens Onyx Ellis and Phoenix Phillips. 

Ellis said it was great to be in a positive environment where different sexual identities are respected and included. 

That feeling was shared by another first time attendee. 

After four years with no Pride events, Watson said he expected this would be the first Pride for many people. (Emily Fitzpatrick/CBC)

Chloe Savard said it’s important to have events like PrideFest where the LGBTQ community can come together and offer each other support and acceptance. 

“I think it was just a part of finding a community and also feeling understood,” Savard said. “So to just find people who are so open to just having conversations I don’t feel like I have to explain myself all the time.”

Crowds gathered in Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton to celebrate Pride on Saturday afternoon. More events are scheduled for Sunday. (Emily Fitzpatrick/CBC)

Savard’s mother also attended the event on Saturday — a sign of support that meant a lot. 

“I think that’s what I appreciate the most is that even if she doesn’t know, she’s trying.”

Plans for next year are already underway, and Watson has high hopes for Pride 2023. 

“I don’t want to announce that quite yet, but we are working on something that starts with the letter P that goes down the street, but I can’t say what it is.”

 

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Lethbridge Pride events attract hundreds to celebrate the community

Lethbridge Pride events attract hundreds to celebrate the community

Breanne Otis (she/her), who was at Pride in the Park celebrating, says she she loves it. “I love celebrating pride both with my friends and just being a part of a big, large, happy community that is, you know, kind of not really visually seen too much inside Lethbridge,” Otis said, “but it’s great to see the big engagement we have.”

That engagement is needed according to Otis, as the recent events in the United States have her concerned about what could possibly happen in Canada.

“The right to autonomy to our bodies, especially what’s happening in the States right now. We are in charge of our own rights. The government doesn’t really have, shouldn’t have a say to what I do with my body,” said Otis. “I think it’s really important to remember that it takes a community, and a village to support each other. And having the viewpoint of, you know, some person is telling me I can’t do anything with my body that I want to do with it isn’t right. And I want to definitely show my support and I want to stand against that and help people keep their bodies autonomous to themselves and all the services they can get for themselves.”

River Stone (they/he) also took part in the celebration today, and they say it’s important to attend Pride and show support for the community.

“It’s a good celebration of finding not only people within your community, but also celebrating that community in and of itself, and I think that’s really important,” Stone said. “I like coming out, showing my support for my fellow queers, and getting some protected public recognition.”

Stone added that with this being the first in-person celebration in two years, it’s extra important to show up and support those who were impacted by the pandemic, as it was especially hard on certain members of the community.

“The pandemic really took a toll on all of us, but especially the immunocompromised and disabled,” said Stone. “So, for all of us to be able to come out and be together, without a whole lot of worry about the pandemic anymore, I think it’s really important that we get to see each other, because everybody lost community over the pandemic. So, I think this is a good revitalization of that.”

If you’re interested in taking part in any of the Pride events happening around Lethbridge this weekend, you can visit the Lethbridge Pride website.