Many gathered at Bower Ponds in Red Deer Sunday afternoon to officially kick-off Pride Week.

And you couldn’t have asked for better weather for the week’s first pride event, Pride in the Park as the community came out to show their support.

Live music, beer gardens and great food trucks highlighted the day’s activities, allowing everyone to enjoy themselves as they gear up for what should be a great week of pride.

On hand to show their support was Red Deer North MLA Kim Schreiner, who says being able to express yourself is extremely important.

“I think everyone should feel free to be themselves, to express themselves without feeling they’re in danger or feeling that people aren’t in agreement.”

“We are who we and we should be able to express who we are.”

Deer South MLA Barb Miller came out to show her support as well and said Red Deer and area has continued to make progress when it comes to embracing pride week, something that was evident early in the day.

“Well it’s only two hours and we probably got 1,000 people that have already gone through here.”

“For Red Deer, that is huge. Baby steps, but this one I think is a giant step.”

Lacombe residents will have a chance to show their support on Tuesday by painting the picnic tables at Michener House Museum in pride colours. The event starts at 10 a.m.