Lacombe Pride Society will be hosting their first Pride Weekend in Lacombe on August 25th and August 26th. The City of Lacombe will be welcoming and celebrating the LGBTQIA2S community for a whole weekend.   

The festival will begin with a pride flag raising ceremony hosted at the Michener House Museum on Friday, August 25th. Over the past few months, Lacombe Museums has brought the community together to crochet a rainbow blanket. The blanket will be unveiled at the ceremony.   

  “We’re kicking that off with a big bang and having some fun doing some crafts and then just raising that pride flag. Honestly, I think it will be the first time the pride flag was flown at the Michener House which is awesome to see,” said Jonathan Luscombe, Executive Director of Lacombe Pride.   

The main event will be a Pride in the Park held on Saturday, August 26th held just outside of the Lacombe Memorial Centre in Lest We Forget Park. People will have the opportunity to speak and share their talents and compete for best dressed. There will also be a barbeque and several activities. The event will wrap up with a dance party at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. 

Later on that day, the Pride Society will be hosting a body inclusive swim at the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre. 

“There’s no expectations for your body. There’s no expectations around what you have to wear. If you want to wear swim trunks, if you want to wear a bikini, whatever type of swimsuit embodies who you are an just have a place for that to be an open group of people that feel comfortable in and of themselves,” explained Luscombe. 

Although the two-day event is jam-packed with Pride events, Luscombe says this is just the beginning for Lacombe’s Pride Society and hopes to host a full Pride Week in the future. 

“[We’re] definitely ready to show Lacombe that we’re queer and here and ready to get partying,” Luscombe added. 

The Pride Society has seen a lot of support from local businesses and community members in organizing the event. The society’s GoFundMe in support of the Pride Weekend neared it’s $1,000 goal within only a few days.  

“We're still hoping we get to $1,000 by our Pride weekend, but of course we are honestly more than grateful for what we've gotten so far and because it's something that we didn’t think was even possible six months ago,” said Luscombe. 

He anticipates that around 500 people will be coming to the City in support of the event. Luscombe hopes he can give back to the community by supporting the local economy with the event. 

“Hopefully, when this event kind of takes place, we have a good showing… That will help the economy in Lacombe. I know of people coming from Stettler, Medicine Hat, Edmonton and Calgary. I guarantee to most people that it will be a busy weekend while still helping the local economy,” Luscombe explained. 

You can stay up to date on all Lacombe Pride Society event by visiting their Facebook page here.

Here’s a look at what’s happening for Lacombe’s Pride weekend:  

Friday, August 25th  

Pride Flag Raising Ceremony   

Time: 10:00AM-11:00AM

Location: Michener House Museum  

Join the Lacombe Pride Society and the Lacombe Museums for a Pride Flag Raising ceremony. They will also be unveiling a rainbow blanket crocheted by the local community and enjoying crafts in the garden.   

  

Barbeque at Powpow’s Park   

Time: 12:00-2:00PM

Location: Powpow’s Park   

Head over to Powpow’s Park for a bite to eat with the Family Resource Network and the Lacombe Pride Society. There will be glitter tattoos, rock painting, story telling, and other activities for local youth.   

  

Pups and Pints  

Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM  

Location: Blindman Brewery 

Bring your best dressed pup to Blindman Brewery for a costume contest. A photo booth will be available to snap a pic with your pooch as well as treats and prizes.  

 

Saturday, August 26th 

Pride in the Park  

Time:  11:00AM to 3:00PM

Location: Lest We Forget Park (Outside of the Lacombe Memorial Centre)  

This is the Lacombe Pride Society’s main event. Check out local vendors, enjoy a barbeque from the Lacombe Fire Deparment, crafts, activities, parachute games, a talent show, speeches, meet drag queens, and more. This event is for all ages.  

 

Every Body Swim  

Time: 4:00PM-5:00PM

Location: Lacombe Kinsmen Aquatic Centre (Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex) 

A chance for every body to get in the pool and wear whatever they want in a judgement-free zone.  

 

Drag Show (18+ event)

Time: 7:00PM-10:00PM 

Location: Lacombe Performing Arts Centre

Onika Xtravaganza will be performing live with her drag sisters. This will be a ticketed event. You can get tickets here. 

 

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