Fredericton Pride parade in jeopardy without more volunteers

More volunteers are needed or Fredericton's Pride parade might not happen Sunday.

The parade, scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., is planned to move from city hall to Carleton Street.

But Amelia Thorpe, a board member and volunteer at Fredericton Pride, said the parade will not proceed without more volunteer support.

"That's why we're trying to push and secure as many additional [people] as possible, just to make sure that the parade can go forward on Sunday at 3."

Thorpe said Fredericton Pride does not have the required number of volunteers to manage the barricades along the parade route.

Fredericton Pride is run by volunteers and relies on volunteers to host its events. Thorpe said there has been a decline in the number of volunteers this year, especially for the parade.

"We're really, really low for Sunday," said Thorpe.

Thorpe thinks many community members are not volunteering because they want the chance to participate in the celebrations.

Volunteering would be a way for allies to show their support.

"I think allies love going to the parade, and that's great. But, if they are truly trying to be allies, I think doing what they can to make the parade a success would be the bigger thing," said Scout Maureen, a manager of the drop-in centre at Monarch, an 2SLGBTQ community centre and nightclub in Fredericton. 

Maureen said Monarch plans to hold a low-sensory space for those who might be overwhelmed by the parade. Additionally, Monarch is slated to have a group marching in the parade.

Maureen said it would be "devastating" if the parade doesn't happen.

"It's been such a depressing time in the world for a lot of people," said Maureen. "And I think this is something that we all kind of look forward to just as a break from all this, just to come out and be ourselves and party and have a good time."

Thorpe is hopeful Fredericton Pride will find enough volunteers. More than 50 groups and parade floats are registered.