Second-annual Huron County Pride festival draws a crowd to Goderich

BY SHAWN LOUGHLIN

The second annual Huron County Pride Festival in Goderich on Saturday was a huge success. An impressive number of people came out to celebrate the inclusiveness of which Huron County is capable. Spirits were high, the music was great, and many local businesses experienced a big influx of colourfully dressed customers. Visitors coming out just to patronize the weekly market in The Square were pleasantly surprised to find their shopping options expanded to include Pride’s artisan market, and Goderich’s newest food truck, Local Rolla, had a banner day serving up Pride Dogs to hungry patrons. Even the weather mostly co-operated - it was a beautiful day, and the rain even held off until most of the day’s planned entertainment was done.

 

There were several local dignitaries at the opening ceremonies who offered remarks about the value of the event. Goderich Deputy-Mayor and Huron County Councillor Leah Noel offered a greeting to the crowd, and took a moment to both celebrate the achievements of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and reflect on all the work that’s still to be done. “Flying in front of our county courthouse and in front of the Goderich Town Hall is the Pride flag. We fly that flag proudly. There’s never been a debate in this community about flying that flag - we’re here with you.” Noel thanked Huron County Pride, its volunteers, and all the guests who chose to attend.

 

Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh Councillor Jennifer Miltenberg went slightly over her allotted time, thanking all the volunteers who made Pride possible, as well as the engaged citizens who wrote to their municipal government in support of the Pride flag being flown. “I want to thank you because it sparked so many conversations, and with every conversation, there’s an opportunity to educate... the Pride flag signals that this is a safe space for all of our residents.” Miltenberg called for continued community engagement on the issue to continue after June has ended by writing to municipal councils to express appreciation for flying the flag, or questioning why they chose not to.

 

Municipality of Bluewater Councillor Winona Bailey spoke on the importance of showing solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Bluewater already has the Huron County Pride decal on its municipal buildings, and Bailey is currently working with the rest of Bluewater Council to create a flag policy so the municipality can fly community flags like the Pride flag. “It’s very important for inclusivity, equality and acceptance.”

 

Councillor Jodi Snell of Morris-Turnberry spoke about the beautiful spectrum of human identity that Pride represents. “Let’s embrace unity, spread kindness, and let’s march forward,” she said.

 

North Huron’s Deputy-Reeve Kevin Falconer brought greetings from Reeve Paul Heffer and the rest of council, saying “North Huron is where the Pride flag flies proudly... I invite you all to enjoy what Huron County has to offer.”

 

South Huron Mayor George Finch thanked all who had gathered in The Square. “I have the greatest respect for what you’ve accomplished. You are champions. Three years ago, when we were asked to fly the flag in South Huron, and people said ‘we can’t do that,’ and I said ‘why can’t we do that?’”

 

After the opening ceremony, there was a full day of programming that included arts and crafts, yoga, live music, drag performances and dancing.