Interim Fredericton Pride board determined to save festival and parade
CBC
Fredericton Pride's new interim board of directors is committed to ensuring the festival and parade proceed, according to the chair.
We "are focusing our efforts towards that goal," they said in an unsigned statement to CBC News Wednesday afternoon, declining an interview.
The interim board was appointed Monday and has "worked tirelessly to ensure the continuation of all planned events," according to a statement issued later in the day.
"Through the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and community members, we can proudly confirm that Fredericton Pride Week is not cancelled," the statement signed by Emmanuelle Jackson, Tooth Matchett, Sarah Osier, Anthea Plummer, Sarah Vela and Cheryl Watts said.
About a third of events have been salvaged so far, thanks to community members who stepped up after the previous Pride board, citing harassment, cancelled the 10-day festival just hours before it was supposed to start last Friday. The board at the time also announced some members were resigning.
The decision came after organizers abruptly cancelled a fundraiser drag show "due to unexpected safety concerns." The nature of the safety concerns was not specified by Pride organizers.
The board naming Fredericton Palestine Solidarity as the grand marshal of the Pride parade, and refusing to allow certain sponsors or participants, also sparked controversy in recent weeks.
ElderPride has published a new online Pride guide, which lists 19 events, as of Wednesday, including a family board game night with Imprint Youth, starting at 5 p.m.
Although a parade is not on the list, the parade will proceed as scheduled on Sunday at 3 p.m., rain or shine, with Fredericton Palestine Solidarity as the grand marshal, according to the interim board's statement.
"The City of Fredericton has confirmed that our parade application is in good standing and all required safety measures are in place," the statement said.
City spokesperson Elizabeth Fraser told CBC News, "Staff are currently reviewing an application through the city's special events process."
She confirmed it was the original, previously approved application submitted by the former Pride board, but directed all other inquiries back to Pride.
The city's role is a "legal, bureaucratic" one, "whereby the City considers applications as related to road closures, traffic measures, permits, and any other operational impacts," she said in an emailed statement.
Community members say there will be a parade — or at least a march — on Sunday, no matter what.
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