The post Muskoka Pride Wants To Empower And Unite The Community For The 2024 Pride Week appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>Muskoka Pride has announced that July 19th through 28th is the 2024 Muskoka Pride Week. The annual week of activities celebrates the Muskoka two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) community.
This is the 16th year that Muskoka Pride has held Pride Week events, explains Merv Taylor- Morin, President of Muskoka Pride. “Last year’s Festival and Parade were a huge success, with more people in attendance than ever before. We are thrilled to once again hold a week of events throughout the communities in Muskoka.”
Muskoka Pride board member Shawn Forth explains, “It is so important for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to see themselves represented in the greater community. When you identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and grow up in a small community, you can feel isolated and as if you are the only one. It is important for there to be 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in our communities.”
Forth explains that the past few years have seen a significant rise in homophobia and transphobia across North America, and even right here in Muskoka. “We have seen a significant increase in online hate speech on social media posts. There have been many incidents of homophobic graffiti in Muskoka. Last fall protests were held in Bracebridge and Huntsville regarding 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in schools. Events that promote 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion are needed now more than ever,” he explains.
10 DAYS OF EVENTS
Muskoka Pride Week will feature events throughout Muskoka over ten days.
Pride Week starts off on Friday, July 19th with Disco Muskoka at Canvas Brewery in Huntsville. In partnership with the Huntsville Theatre Company, Muskoka Pride is hosting the third annual disco party featuring local singers and the largest disco dance in Muskoka. The event is hosted by local drag sensations Champagne Top’Her and Rodaysha Red Ashes. Tickets are available via the Muskoka Pride website.
The 5th annual 6 Mile Lake Pride Boat Parade in Georgian Bay Township is happening on Saturday July 20th.
Bracebridge Hall is hosting a Muskoka Pride Comedy Night featuring 4 queer comedians from Gay AF Comedy on Thursday July 25th. Tickets are available at www.bbhall.ca
The Huntsville Public Library is hosting its first-ever Human Library on Wednesday July 24th, which is an opportunity to engage in conversations with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community about their lives and experiences.
Pride Church Services will be held on July 21st at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst and on July 28th at Bracebridge United Church.
FLAG RAISINGS
All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Progress Pride flag on Monday July 22nd Members of the public are encouraged to join us for ceremonies at their local municipality office to celebrate the annual flag raising.
DRAG SHOWS
Muskoka Drag Royalty is hosting 3 events this year. On Friday, July 26th they are hosting the Drag Olympics – Bolder, Fiercer, Shadier at the Bracebridge Legion. On Saturday, July 27th a brunch Drag on Draught is at The Griffin Pub. A special drag show is being held at 6 Mile Lake to recognize 5 years of the annual boat pride parade on Saturday July, 20th.
FAMILY EVENTS
Muskoka Pride has taken great care to ensure that many events are geared to the entire family. Many families participate to show their allyship with the community, to support their 2SLGBTQ+ family members, and as an opportunity for their families to experience their first Pride Festival.
The annual Six Mile Lake Boat Pride Parade will take place on Saturday July 20th on 6 Mile Lake in Georgian Bay Township starting at 1PM, followed by a Drag Show at 4PM.
The annual Rainbow Road Tour on Sunday July 21st , which was first introduced during the pandemic, will take place again. It is a great opportunity for the entire family to tour around Lake of Bays. This year’s route will include several of the rainbow benches, through Muskoka Lakes Township, Wahta Mohawk Territory, and Georgian Bay Township and will end with dinner in Honey Harbour.
Wednesday, July 24th will see the first Pooch Pride a the 3 Amigos Dog Park in Bracebridge at 2PM.
On Thursday July 25th the 12th annual Muskoka Pride Mini-Golf Tournament will be held at Northern Escapades Mini Putt. Families and individuals can golf for a special rate between 11AM – 6PM, and try for their chance at the trophy.
FESTIVAL AND PARADE
Muskoka Pride Week will finish off with the annual Pride Festival in Memorial Park on Sunday July 28th from 11AM – 3PM. Featuring vendors, live music, and activities for the family. We will be featuring performances from two groups: Broadtree and Aqua’s Red Rhythm and Blues.
The annual Pride Parade will take place at 12:30PM on Manitoba Street. Once again, the parade will be starting at Memorial Park and going through downtown Bracebridge.
Everyone, no matter how you identify, is welcome to attend Muskoka Pride events.
Muskoka Pride receives funding from the Government of Canada through the Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage grant.
Muskoka Pride would like to thank their Silver Sponsors: The Town of Bracebridge through the Event Tourism grant, TD Ready Commitment, McMaster’s Fine Foods of Muskoka, and the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association. They would also like to acknowledge our Bronze Sponsors: Lakeland Networks and Lake of Bays Brewery.
To see a full schedule of events go to www.muskokapride.com or click “Events” on the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.
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]]>Muskoka Pride is excited to welcome everyone back to celebrate in-person including the following events in Bracebridge:
Muskoka Pride is a registered not for profit organization with a mission to bring people together by offering advocacy, resources and social activities for Muskoka’s diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more information on the week of events, visit muskokapride.com.
“We are excited to welcome Muskoka Pride back to Bracebridge for a week of in-person events. Muskoka Pride Week brings together the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies to celebrate, support and engage with one another, and we’re grateful to host so many events here in town. Wishing everyone a happy Pride!” – Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge
“It is a pleasure to raise the Pride Flag in Bracebridge for the 11th year in a row. The Pride Flag gives all of society an opportunity to come together under one banner.” – Merv Taylor-Morin
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]]>The post Muskoka Pride Announces Schedule For Pride Week From July 14 To 24 appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>This year’s Pride celebration is a return to pre-pandemic events, including the first festival and parade since 2019, explains Muskoka Pride President Merv Taylor-Morin. “For the past two years we have continued to celebrate Pride Week in smaller ways, following the COVID restrictions in place at the time. We are beyond thrilled to once again host the annual Festival and Parade in downtown Bracebridge this year.”
Muskoka Pride board member Shawn Forth explains, “It is so important for members of the LGBTQ+ community to see themselves represented in the greater community. When you identify as LGBTQ+ and grow up in a small community, you can feel isolated and as if you are the only one. It is important for there to be LGBTQ+ visibility in our communities.”
Forth explains that just last month, Muskoka Pride donated rainbow benches to all municipalities in Muskoka to help to ensure a year-round visible symbol of the commitment to diverse and inclusive communities. The funding was provided through the District of Muskoka’s Community Enhancement grant.
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Muskoka Pride Week will feature in-person events throughout Muskoka over eleven days.
Pride Week starts off with the theatrical production Twelfth Night by Timberbeast
Productions on Thursday, July 14 at the Gravenhurst Wharf gazebo.
The party starts on Friday, July 15 with Disco Muskoka. In partnership with the Huntsville
Theatre Company, Muskoka Pride is hosting a disco party at Canvas Brewery in Huntsville. Tickets are available on the HTC website.
Pride Church Services will be held on July 17 at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst and on July 24 at Bracebridge United Church.
On Thursday, July 21, Bracebridge Hall will host MQFF After Dark, a film screening for 19+ which features films from this year’s Muskoka Queer Film Festival that could not be broadcast due to content. Tickets are available on the Muskoka Pride website or pay at the door.
FLAG RAISINGS
All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Progress Pride flag on Monday, July 19. Members of the public are encouraged to join us for ceremonies at their local municipality office to celebrate the annual flag raising.
DRAG SHOWS
Muskoka Drag Royalty is holding four events this year – including Drag Trivia at Bracebridge Barrelhouse on July 18, a 19+ show at Sawdust City Brewery on July 22, and two all-ages shows on July 20 and July 24.
FAMILY EVENTS
Muskoka Pride has taken great care to ensure that many events are geared to the entire family. Many families participate to show their allyship with the community, to support their LGBTQ+ family members, and as an opportunity for their families to experience their first Pride Festival.
The annual Six Mile Lake boat parade will take place on Saturday, July 16 on Six Mile Lake in Georgian Bay Township starting at 1 p.m.
The annual Rainbow Road Tour on Sunday, July 17, which was first introduced during the
pandemic, will take place again. It is a great opportunity for the entire family to tour around Lake Muskoka. This year’s route will incorporate some of the newly installed rainbow benches and will end with a BBQ and musical performance at Muskoka Brewery.
Tuesday, July 19 is Pride Night at the Muskoka Drive-In. Featuring three short films from the Muskoka Queer Film Festival (MQFF) and the feature film “Dawn, Her Dad, and the Tractor” tickets are available on the Muskoka Pride website or pay cash at the gate.
On Thursday, July 21, the 10th annual Muskoka Pride Mini-Golf Tournament will be held at
Northern Escapades Mini Putt. Families and individuals can golf for a special rate between
11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and try for their chance at the trophy.
Two Drag Shows are planned which are aimed at all-ages – Wednesday, July 20 a Driveway Drag Show is planned at a private residence in Bracebridge, and the Memorial Park Drag Show is planned as part of the annual Pride Festival on Sunday, July 24. Both shows feature many local performers from Muskoka Drag Royalty.
Muskoka Bay Resort is hosting a Pride Pool Party on Saturday, July 23 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature live music, games, prizes, and food. Admission is free. Please contact the resort to add your name to the guest list.
FESTIVAL AND PARADE
For the first time since 2019, Muskoka Pride will host the annual Pride Festival in Memorial
Park on Sunday, July 24 form 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring vendors, live music, and activities for the family. The band Dirty Little Swing Thing will be performing under the bandshell, and local singer Briar Summers will be performing on a second stage. Muskoka Drag Royalty will be hosting a drag show starting at 2:30.
The annual Pride Parade will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Manitoba Street. This year, the parade will be starting at Memorial Park and going through downtown Bracebridge.
Everyone, no matter how you identify, is welcome to attend Muskoka Pride events.
Muskoka Pride receives funding from the Government of Canada through the Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage grant.
To see a full schedule of events, go to www.muskokapride.com or click “Events” on
the Muskoka Pride Facebook page.
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]]>The post HTC And Muskoka Pride Present ‘Disco Muskoka’ At Canvas Brewery appeared first on Muskoka411.
]]>Disco Muskoka will see Canvas Brewery transformed into Studio 54 for a night of non-stop disco! Dust off your platform dancing shoes and break out your best moves at Muskoka’s largest disco party. Featuring live performances, prizes, and the fine beverages of Canvas Brewery, it’s an evening not to be missed!
“We are excited to be partnering with HTC for this in-person event to kick off our 2022 Pride Week of events” says Shawn Forth of Muskoka Pride.
Dyanna Jacklin from HTC says she’s always been fascinated with the lore and nostalgia around Studio 54.
“I have always wanted to have an epic disco party here in Muskoka. I think this will be the celebration we all need right now.”
Performers include Frank Berg, Meeda Berg, James Currie, Veronica Leonard, Marcia Kuehnen and Tim Lucier. The evening will be hosted by local drag sensations, Hand Awnya and Champagne Topher.
Disco Muskoka takes place Friday July 15th at Canvas Brewery (12 John Street). The event is 19+ and doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets are $25 or $15 for HTC/Muskoka Pride members and can be purchased at https://www.huntsvilletheatre.org
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