Muskoka Pride has announced that July 18th
through 26th is the 2026 Muskoka Pride Week. The annual week of activities celebrates the
Muskoka two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) community.
This is the 18th year that Muskoka Pride has held Pride Week events, explains Steph Taylor,
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.”

This year’s Muskoka Pride Week theme is “Still here. Still fighting. Still proud!”
“The theme carries profound meaning for the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” Forth explains. “It is a powerful statement of resilience, visibility, and community in a time when 2SLGBTQ+ people across Canada continue to face both progress and pushback.”

He continues, “Muskoka Pride Week honours the strength of 2SLGBTQ+ people across
generations, while recognizing the continued importance of advocacy, inclusion, and joy. In
Muskoka and beyond, Pride remains both a celebration and a commitment: to stand together, support one another, and proudly take up space in every community.”

Forth further explains that the past several years (and the past 2 years in particular) 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, and protests held regarding 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in schools. Events that promote 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion are needed now more than ever,” he explains.

9 DAYS OF EVENTS
Muskoka Pride Week will feature dynamic events throughout Muskoka over nine days.

LAUNCH WEEKEND & DRAG PERFORMANCES
Pride Week kicks off on Saturday, July 18th with the annual Six Mile Lake Pride Boat Parade
in Georgian Bay Township starting at 1:00 PM from Six Mile Lake Provincial Park.

Immediately following the parade at 3:30 PM, the celebration moves ashore for the high-energy Six Mile Lake Drag Show hosted by the Simcoe-Muskoka Drag Collective at the shop, At The Lake, on Six Mile Lake. This lakeside show is free to attend.

On Sunday, July 19th, community members can attend a special Pride Church Service at
10:30 AM at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst, followed by refreshments. Later at 12:00 PM, the Simcoe-Muskoka Drag Collective hosts a Drag Brunch at The Griffin Pub in downtown Bracebridge as a “Pay What You Can” event supporting Mind-Aid Muskoka.

FLAG RAISINGS

All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Progress Pride flag on Monday July 20th.
Members of the public are encouraged to join us for ceremonies at their local municipality office to celebrate the annual flag raising. The schedule can be found at www.muskokakpride.com

LIVE MUSIC, THEATRE, AND SALONS

Art and resistance come together on Sunday, July 19th at 2:00 PM with Beautiful City – An
Afternoon Salon of Resistance and Hope at Trinity United Church in Huntsville, featuring
celebrated pianist Thomas Buckley and Artistic Director Autumn Smith ($30 tickets).

The theatrical energy continues Monday, July 20th at 7:30 PM at Bracebridge Hall with Sing
Out Louise: A Backwards Broadway Cabaret, turning classic show tunes upside down ($20
tickets).

On Tuesday, July 21st, the big screen takes over with the Grand Finale of the Muskoka Queer Film Festival – Pride in Many Voices at the Rene M Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge. Doors open at 6:30 PM for a spectacular screening of 11 international short films ($15 tickets)

CREATIVE & FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIGHLIGHTS

• Paint & Sip (Tuesday, July 21, 2:00 PM): Join local artist Ann Marie Taylor at the
Gravenhurst Scout Hall for a relaxing afternoon of watercolor painting and delicious non
alcoholic mocktails (Pay What You Can).

• Rainbow Storytime (Wednesday, July 22, 4:00 PM): A family-friendly, drop-in puppet
show and sock-puppet making session with Sandy at the Gravenhurst Public Library.

• Mini-Golf with Pride (Thursday, July 23, 1:00 PM): Head to Northern Escapades Mini
Putt in Bracebridge for the annual tournament, featuring a special $3 entry fee using the
promo code “Muskoka Pride” (1PM to 5PM only).

• Pride Paddle (Friday, July 24, 1:00 PM): Take to the water on the Muskoka River!
Meet at the Kelvin Grove Park boat launch in Bracebridge with your kayak, canoe, or
SUP.

• Unwind on Saturday, July 25th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a relaxed afternoon of
sunshine and queer joy at the Pride on the Beach party at Muskoka Beach in
Gravenhurst.

NIGHTLIFE & DRAG SHOWS Comedy lovers can look forward to Muskoka Pride Comedy Night – Gay AF Comedy on Wednesday, July 22nd at Smokin’ Hot BBQ in Huntsville (Doors 6:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM), featuring top Ontario queer stand-up talent ($20 advance / $25 door, 19+).

On Thursday, July 23rd, Sawdust City Brewery in Gravenhurst hosts the Sawdust City Drag
Show – Queer Anthems at 8:00 PM, a free-admission event filled with dazzling community
expression. The star-studded Cottage Country Drag Festival hits the Algonquin Theatre stage in Huntsville on Friday, July 24th at 8:00 PM, headlining Canada’s Drag Race star Karamilk alongside The Spice Queens.

THE GRAND FINALE: FESTIVAL & PARADE

Muskoka Pride Week concludes on Sunday, July 26th with our largest celebrations. The 18th Annual Muskoka Pride Festival takes over Memorial Park in downtown Bracebridge from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, showcasing over 50 vendors, food trucks, family activities, live music from Broadtree, and performances from several local drag performers.

The centerpiece Muskoka Pride Parade will march down Manitoba Street at 12:30 PM, starting from Memorial Park. Everyone is invited to bring their flags, show their colours, and line the sidewalks to celebrate visibility and inclusion.

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.

We would like to thank our Signature Sponsor: TD Bank through TD Ready Commitment, our Silver Sponsor: McMaster’s Fine Food of Muskoka, and our Bronze Sponsor: The Town of Bracebridge through the Event Tourism grant.

To see a full schedule of events go to www.muskokapride.com or click “Events” on the
Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.

The post Pride Week Hits The Streets Of Muskoka With Exciting Events Planned appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka Pride to hold events across Muskoka, July 18 – 27, in celebration of
Muskoka Pride Week

Muskoka Pride has announced that July 18th through 27th is the 2025 Muskoka Pride Week. The annual week of activities celebrates the Muskoka two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) community.

This is the 17th year that Muskoka Pride has held Pride Week events, explains Steph Taylor,
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.”

This year’s Muskoka Pride Week theme is “Reclaim, Resist, Rejoice!”

“The theme carries profound meaning for the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” Forth explains. “Reclaim invites us to lift up the contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Muskoka – our stories, our spaces, and our presence. Resist calls on each on one of us – especially our allies – to stand firm against oppression and to fight for queer rights in society. Rejoice is a powerful act of selfaffirmation, to celebrate our resilience, our connection, and the beautiful diversity that thrives here in Muskoka.”

Forth further explains that the past several years (and the past year in particular) 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, and protests held regarding 2SLGBTQ+ visibility 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 18th with a drag show by Muskoka Drag Royalty at
Sawdust City Brewery in Gravenhurst. My Colourful Rainbow Closet features 8 drag
performers and of course the amazing brews from Sawdust City. The event starts at 8PM. The event is free, but seating is limited.

The 6th annual 6 Mile Lake Pride Boat Parade in Georgian Bay Township is happening on
Saturday July 19th followed by a drag performance at the shop At The Lake..

Music on Main in Huntsville is hosting a Muskoka Pride Comedy Night featuring 4 queer
comedians from Gay AF Comedy on Thursday July 24th. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Muskoka Pride is hosting a Living Library on Thursday July 22nd, which is an opportunity to
engage in conversations with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community about their lives and
experiences. The Living Library is being held at Trinity United Church in Huntsville at 6PM.
A Pride Church Service will be held on Sunday July 20th at Trinity United Church in
Gravenhurst

FLAG RAISINGS
All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Progress Pride flag on Monday July 21st,
including the first Pride flag raising at the District of Muskoka office on Pine Street at 12:30PM. Members of te 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 4 events this year:
• Friday July 18 – Sawdust City Brewery in Gravenhurst at 8PM
• Saturday July 19 – At The Lake in Georgian Bay Township at 3:30PM
• Friday July 25 – Drag Bingo at Henrietta’s Pine Bakery in Huntsville at 5PM
• Saturday July 26 – Drag Brunch at The Griffin Pub in Bracebridge at 11AM

LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES

Muskoka Pride is hosting 2 productions in partnership with TimberBeast Productions. On
Sunday, July 20th Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst plays host to “The Story Goes On”.
Pianist Thomas Buckley and Autumn Smith will perform an afternoon of song and story that
serves as both an act of remembrance and a celebration of hope. Pay What You Can at the
door. Starts at 2PM

On Wednesday, July 23rd Bracebridge Hall will host “Sing Out Louise: The Best of
Broadway…Backwards” Featuring Thomas Buckley, Nicole Cutting-MacLean, Thomoas
Founier, and Autumn Smith. Get ready for an evening of mismatched merriment and luscious libations as we turn Broadway upside down and backwards! Pay What You Can at the door. Show starts at 7:30PM

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.
A free swim will be hosted at the Huntsville Pool on Monday July 21 at 6:30PM. The All Bodies Swim – A Splash of Pride event celebrates body diversity, gender inclusivity, and the joy of being yourself in a safe and affirming space. This On Tuesday July 2nd the 13th annual Muskoka Pride Mini-Golf Tournament will be held at Northern Escapades Mini Putt. Families and individuals can golf for a special rate between 12PM – 2PM and try for their chance at the trophy.

The Gravenhurst Public Library hosts a Rainbow Storytime on Wednesday July 23rd at 4PM. It is a drop-in event open to all ages. Children will be making a streamer craft and have guest readers from Muskoka Pride.

On Friday July 25th a Pride Paddle will be happening along the Muskoka River, starting from
Kelvin Grove Park at 1PM. Saturday, July 26th will see the return of Pooch Pride a the 3 Amigos Dog Park in Bracebridge at 2PM.

FESTIVAL AND PARADE
Muskoka Pride Week will finish off with the annual Pride Festival in Memorial Park on Sunday July 27th from 11AM – 3PM. Featuring vendors, live music, and activities for the family. We will be featuring performances from two groups: Broadtree and Peanut Butter and the Jams.

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.
We would like to thank our 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. We would also like to
acknowledge our Bronze Sponsors: Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer 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.

The post Muskoka Pride Wants To “Reclaim, Resist, & Rejoice” For The 2025 Pride Week appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Progress Pride Sign was stolen from the Canada Summit Centre, 20 Park Dr. Town of Huntsville. On September 2, 2023, at approximately 11:20pm video surveillance shows a vehicle pull up and a person exit the vehicle and remove the sign.

Investigators are actively looking for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect(s) involved in this theft.  Huntsville OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. Anyone with information about unlawful activity in our community is asked to call the Huntsville OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The post Theft Of Progress Pride Sign In Huntsville Has OPP Looking For Suspect appeared first on Muskoka411.

Disco Muskoka will see Canvas Brewery transformed into Studio 54 once again 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 DJ Scott Dunlop, prizes, the fine beverages of Canvas Brewery, as well as an added food vendor, it’s an evening not to be missed!

“We are thrilled to co-present this fabulous event once again.  It was one of the most popular events during Muskoka Pride Week last year, so this year we’ve upped the ante with the addition of Smokin’ Hot BBQ ”, says Shawn Forth of Muskoka Pride.

Dyanna Jacklin from HTC says she can’t wait to be a part of what she considers the best night of the year in Muskoka.

“It really is a true experience. The music, the costumes, the lights of the disco ball- you really feel like you’ve been transported to this time and place where nothing else matters but dancing the night away.”

The evening will be hosted by local drag sensations, Champagne Top’her and Lady Stitch.

Disco Muskoka takes place Thursday July 27th 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

The post HTC And Muskoka Pride Present ‘Disco Muskoka’ At Canvas Brewery appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka Pride has announced that July 22nd through 30th is the 2023 Muskoka Pride Week. The annual week of activities celebrates the Muskoka two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) community.

This is the first Festival and Parade since 2019, explains Merv Taylor-Morin, President of
Muskoka Pride. “During covid, we celebrated Pride Week in smaller ways, and last year we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Festival and Parade due to severe weather.

We are beyond thrilled to host the annual Festival and Parade in downtown Bracebridge for the first time in 3 years.” 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 year has 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, including recently on a school mural. In 2021 a Pride flag was burned.

Last fall we had protesters arrive at an event shouting homophobic words. Events that promote 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion are needed now more than ever,” he explains.
In 2023, Muskoka Pride received a grant from the District of Muskoka IDEA committee to
produce anti-hate signs, which say “Hate Has No Home Here”. Forth explains, “Allyship is
needed now more than ever to counter the hate speech that is becoming all-to-frequent in
society.” These signs are available free to businesses and the public, and will continue to be
available at Pride Week events – just speak to a Muskoka Pride board member.

9 DAYS OF EVENTS

Muskoka Pride Week will feature events throughout Muskoka over nine days.

Pride Week starts off one week early, with the 4th annual 6 Mile Lake Pride Boat Parade in
Georgian Bay Township on Saturday July 15th.

TimberBeast Productions features prominently during this year’s Pride Week. On Sunday July 23rd a benefit concert (“Fearfully Wonderfully Made”) is being held at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst to support the Affirming and Social Justice initiatives.

On Monday July 24th come out to Broadway on the Barge in Gull Lake Park, to sing along with some of the most fabulous Broadway queer-inspired music.

On Tuesday July 25th come to the Gravenhurst Opera House for the Pride Matinee of “Citronella the Musical”.

Bracebridge Hall is hosting a Muskoka Pride Comedy Night featuring 4 queer comedians from Gay AF Comedy on Wednesday July 26th. Tickets are available at www.bbhall.ca

Disco Muskoka is happening on Thursday July 27th at Canvas Brewery in Huntsville. In
partnership with the Huntsville Theatre Company, Muskoka Pride is hosting the second 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 Lady Stitch. Tickets are available on the HTC website.

Pride Church Services will be held on July 23rd at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst and on July 30th at Bracebridge United Church.

FLAG RAISINGS
All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Progress Pride flag on Monday July 24th
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 2 events this year – both are 19+ shows. The annual show at Sawdust City Brewery (“A Hot Sizzling Night with Muskoka Drag Royalty”) is on Friday July 28th, and Bracebridge Hall is hosting the Pride After Party Drag Show on Sunday July 30th.

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 15th on 6 Mile
Lake in Georgian Bay Township starting at 1PM.

The annual Rainbow Road Tour on Sunday July 23rd, 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 incorporate some of the newly installed rainbow benches, and will
end with dinner in Huntsville.

Tuesday July 25th is Pride Night at the Muskoka Drive-In. Featuring the Barbie Movie, some
short films from the Muskoka Queer Film Festival (MQFF) and a 2SLGBTQ+ feature film.

On Thursday July 27th the 11th 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 – 7PM, and try for their chance at the trophy.

FESTIVAL AND PARADE
For the first time since 2019 (after the event was cancelled due to weather last year), Muskoka Pride will host the annual Pride Festival in Memorial Park on Sunday July 30th from 11AM – 4PM. Featuring vendors, live music, and activities for the family. We will be featuring performances from three bands: Dirty Little Swing Thing, Briar Summers, and Broadtree.

The annual Pride Parade will take place at 12:30PM 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.

We would like to thank our Silver Sponsors: The Town of Bracebridge through the Event
Tourism grant, TD Ready Commitment, Lake of Bays Brewery, and Deerhurst Resort.
We would also like to acknowledge our Bronze Sponsors: Lakeland Networks,
Walmart, and the Bala Cranberry Festival.

To see a full schedule of events go to www.muskokapride.com or click “Events” on
the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page

The post Muskoka Pride To Hold Events Across Muskoka July 22 – 30 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.

The post Muskoka Pride Announces Schedule For Pride Week From July 14 To 24 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Unknown suspect(s) used spray paint to write very derogatory words on the pavement in front of the Drive-In Theatre where a Muskoka Pride event was being held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Town of Gravenhurst public works staff were quick to respond to the request to clean the area.

Call OPP or Crime Stoppers if you have any information that can assist.

The post Spray Paint Mischief In Gravenhurst Prior To A Muskoka Pride Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Townships of Muskoka Lakes, Georgian Bay, and Lake of Bays, Wahta First Nation, and the towns of Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst all raised the flag again this year.

The ceremonies were attended by more people than last year, but the gatherings were still small and everyone was wearing masks and ensuring physical distance. Ceremonies were live-streamed to the Muskoka Pride Facebook page to further limit the number of attendees. All mayors and members of Council extended their best wishes for a successful and unique week of Pride events.

Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith expressed his pleasure in raising the Progress Pride flag during this unusual year. He thanked Muskoka Pride for their work promoting diversity and inclusivity throughout the year. Mayor Smith encouraged “everyone in our community to make sure that in their daily lives that they put inclusivity and diversity first in their thoughts…and welcome everyone.”

In Gravenhurst, Mayor Paul Kelly and Deputy-Mayor Heidi Lorenz welcomed the people in attendance on behalf of the Town of Gravenhurst. He said that he is “looking forward to be celebrating Pride with all of Muskoka.”

Muskoka Lakes Mayor Phil Harding expressed his pleasure to be able to raise the Pride flag. He stated, “We need to be inclusive of everyone – we are all one, we are all equal.”

The Progress Pride Flag symbolizes the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community with the many colours representing the diverse community. The new flag, designed in 2018, specifically heightens awareness of marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community (queer people of colour and people who identify as trans or gender-diverse) who still face discrimination in their daily lives.

For Merv Taylor-Morin, President of Muskoka Pride, the flag raisings are a symbol of acceptance of the LGBTQ+ population of Muskoka. “It says to the people in Muskoka that our community is diverse and inclusive, an important message for residents and visitors.”

He stressed the need for the flag raising’s visibility within Muskoka. “It’s important for all people to see it and know that they’re welcome in their own communities.”

“It is significant that all communities of Muskoka are once again recognizing the Muskoka Pride Festival this year,” says board member Shawn Forth, “because there are LGBTQ+ residents all over Muskoka, who want to feel supported by their town.”

Having grown up in Muskoka, he understands the feeling of isolation that comes with thinking you are alone. “Visibility is important for the LGBTQ+ community so that you don’t feel isolated. LGBTQ+ Pride is not just about tolerance and acceptance – it’s about celebrating the rich diversity in our community.”

This year’s Pride Week theme is “Coming Out…of Lockdown!” which reflects the desire for celebration but also the fact that Muskoka is currently in Step 3 of reopening, and many safety protocols are still in place. Several events this year are virtual, and all in-person gatherings will be observing physical distancing and gathering limits.

Everyone, no matter how you identify, is welcome to attend any Muskoka Pride event.

For a full schedule of events, visit the Muskoka Pride website. To see videos of the local flag raising events, or for more updates during Pride Week, go to Muskoka Pride’s Facebook page.

The post Muskoka Communities Raise Rainbow Flags In Honour Of Pride Week appeared first on Muskoka411.

Muskoka’s Pride celebrations usually include a picnic and parade that draw over 1,000 people, but with COVID restrictions still in place, this year’s celebrations will offer a mix of virtual events and events with reduced capacity. Muskoka Pride board member Shawn Forth said it’s important that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community get a chance to combat isolation and foster inclusion through in-person gatherings while still respecting public health guidelines.

“We are following our model from last year very much so, which is a combination of some events that are virtual and some that are in person but socially distanced,” Forth said. “We’re lucky here in Muskoka we have enough space to be able to have the social distancing that often can’t happen in larger cities like Toronto and Barrie.”

In-person events will include the second annual Pride boat parade at Six Mile Lake, Pride night at the Muskoka Drive-In, two different drag shows and a Rainbow Road driving tour through Muskoka. With Ontario set to move into Step Three of reopening on July 16, gatherings like the Bracebridge coffee social will be able to host more guests than initially expected.

After many months of only gathering over Zoom and other virtual platforms, some people in the Muskoka Pride community were able to get together for an in-person coffee social in the park last month. They were limited to just 10 people, but after a long winter apart, the meet-up was a breath of fresh air.

“I honestly had forgotten how much I missed seeing other people’s faces after seeing them in a little box on my computer screen on Zoom,” Forth said. “It really does make a huge, huge difference to be able to have that face-to-face interaction. During the pandemic, a lot of us who live alone have really felt isolated, and it just really brings to the forefront the importance of creating these LGBTQ+ safe spaces so that people can gather and network with others.”

Alongside the in-person events, participants can also get involved virtually with live streams of local flag raisings, an online Pride service from Port Carling Valley United Church and a virtual workshop performance of the play Angels in America, which focuses on the impacts of the AIDS epidemic.

As one of the 26 people involved in the first Pride picnic in Muskoka in 2009, Forth has seen the size and visibility of local Pride events grow over the years. While rainbow visibility is still relatively new for the Muskoka community as a whole, Forth said that overall the response has been one of welcoming, acceptance and inclusion in communities across the region.

“Muskoka’s always proud of the fact that we’ve had quite a wide diversity of people taking part in our events, whether it’s kids as young as two and three up to people in their retirement years,” Forth said. “It is quite a wide range, and we want everyone to feel included. We have many, many families and straight allies who take part in our events.”

Heading into the 13th year of Muskoka Pride events, organizers are thankful for the chance to gather despite the many roadblocks brought on by the pandemic, and they look forward to once again holding their parade and picnic, hopefully in 2022.

“Muskoka Pride events this year are going to look different,” Forth said. “They are smaller in nature, but we still want people to be able to safely gather and anyone, no matter how they identify, are welcome to attend any and all of our events.”

For more information on this year’s Muskoka Pride Week celebrations, visit Muskoka Pride’s website or Facebook page.

The post This Year’s Muskoka Pride Week Events Kick Off On July 15 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Huntsville Mayor Karin Terziano says there is absolutely “no place” in Huntsville for acts of violence and remains “in solidarity” with the LGBTQ2+ community.

“We are deeply upset to hear about this alleged act of violence toward the LGBTQ2+ community and we are devastated to see such activities occur within our community,” says Mayor Terziano.  “These types of actions are very disturbing and they will not be accepted in any way.”

Huntsville Council will continue to stand firm against this type of behaviour to ensure our community continues to be inclusive, safe and welcoming for all.

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