Pride week in Weyburn began today at noon with a flag raising at City Hall. 

A number of dignitaries were in attendance, including Mayor Marcel Roy, Chief Marlo Pritchard, NDP leader Ryan Meili and Deputy leader Carla Beck. Regional dignitaries sent their regrets, with a few organizational leaders sending words in their absense, including Tasha Collins of the Weyburn CMHA Branch. Joe Wickenhauser of Moose Jaw Pride and Pride Saskatchewan was part of the organizing group was in attendance as well.

The turnout of around 50 people was indeed great show of support for the event. Tables were set up with a variety of wearable support paraphernalia were available, as were refreshments and cupcakes. 

"The importance of pride week, for all over the world, is to bring awareness to equality," said Vince Sheldon, volunteer organizer for pride week events in Weyburn. " We need to work together to educate people on acceptance and show that everyone deserves to have their humanity respected, loved and to show compassion to everyone. We don't want to be spreading hurt to other people over their identity. I mean, love is love, and we shouldn't be judged for our love."

Other events for pride week include a bowling and pizza night at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

"We've got a few alleys booked, and we'll have some pizza and drinks and everything for everyone and we can just hang out and socialize and make new friends," he said.

He said that Sunday will include a Welcoming and Inclusive church service at All Saints Anglican, followed by the Weyburn Pride march.

"We will line up at city hall at 11:45," said Sheldon. We will be walking from city hall to the river park gazebo. At the gazebo, we're going to be having a pot luck and an open mic ceremony," he said, adding that all are welcome.

A detailed list of Weyburn Pride Week events is available HERE.

 

A couple of volunteers from the crowd helped pull the chain to raise the pride flag.

Chief Marlo Pritchard spoke at the event.

Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy gave a speech at the event.

Reverend Brian Woods of All Saints Anglican Church spoke as well at the event.

Dignitaries Carla Beck and Ryan Meili were also in attendance for the ceremony.

The group that gathered at City Hall for the Pride Weyburn Flag raising event posed for a photo in celebration of the kickoff, which began today and ends with a march on Sunday.