From the curb, spectators smiled and waved at participants, yelling ‘Happy Pride Day.’ While up to 10 protesters earlier gathered in front of city hall with signs, their presence could not diminish the excitement and emotion of a monumental day for the gay community in Peterborough, according to the event’s organizer.

“It was absolutely amazing,” says Jackie Turk, member of the Peterborough Pride Commission and an organizer of the parade.

Gay Pride Day on Saturday drew approximately 400 people to the city’s downtown core, quadrupling the group’s estimate of attendees. Peterborough Pride Commission member Ash Phipps was also thoroughly pleased with the turnout.

“I am still in awe over the enthusiasm people had throughout the festivities,” says Ash.

“With all the enthusiasm of the vast supporters it was an emotional moment, in a good way, leading the parade down George Street.”

Following a rally in front of city hall on George Street, the parade wound its way to Millennium Park. Ash says while the number of participants exceeded the spectators, there was a still a significant number of people lining the curbs of George Street. Organizers expected the protesters gathered across the street from city hall during the rally, notes Ash. There was up to 10 of them, says Ash. “They were holding signs. But they did not shout or anything, they protested in a mature fashion.”

Peterborough Lakefield Community Police reports the parade was “uneventful” in terms of problems.

“People enjoyed themselves apparently and had a good time,” says Sergeant Rob Hotston.

Following the parade, participants gathered in Millennium Park for a mini-social and reconvened in the evening for a drag show and dance at the Gordon Best Theatre.

Jackie says she was overwhelmed by the number of people who approached her and expressed their appreciation. “It was really emotional.” A man, who lives in Peterborough and has been gay for more than 20 years told Jackie “I gained my personhood” when he walked down the street as himself Saturday.

The Peterborough Pride Commission worked quickly to make the event happen, following the mayor’s mid-July proclamation of Sept. 13 as Gay Pride Day. Members held numerous fundraisers and drew support from post-secondary institutions in Peterborough, individuals, community service agencies and business people.

The event was deemed an opportunity to educate residents about diversity and was considered by organizers to be a family affair. There was a no-nudity policy in effect.

Ash says given this year’s success, Gay Pride Day will be an annual event in Peterborough. “From both the cumulative support we have had thus far, and from the momentum we were able to gather this past weekend, I foresee this to be an event for years to come.”

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