BY DUCK PATERSON
If they were looking for a perfect day, the Ladysmith Pride Society folks said Sunday was it.
The day was the group’s first public event and they held their block party on First Avenue, between Roberts and High streets.
Society president Kezia Cloke said, while standing in the rain, “it’s a blast, we are thrilled. Our entertainers have been great, the music is rocking and there are so many families here, it couldn’t be better, well except for the rain.”
The first Pride Day, in what is expected to be an annual event, not only featured a plethora of food trucks and concessions, but other groups and stalls of interest including the Ladysmith Fire Rescue, which had the hall’s new ladder truck out and on display along with a table of information about being a volunteer.
The local Rotary Club was also present and their booth was attended by Gerry Beltgens, who said, “this event is really great. So many happy people and another great opportunity to feature our amazing downtown and what a diverse accepting community we are fortunate to live in.”
Cloke said the offers for help with the event was amazing.
“Our members were hugely impressed. It’s what we were hoping, but weren’t certain what to expect. Considering what’s happening around us it shows that the people of Ladysmith do care and are community oriented.”
Kathy Holmes, who represented the Ladysmith and District Arts Council, said the day was busy.
“The really important thing, though, is how the community has come out in three or four thousand on a day like this shows how much we are all the same, just loving to be together.”
Cloke said there were a few negative postings on Facebook.
“But, again, the responses back from the community in favour of our society and our event was hugely positive.”
When asked what’s next, the society president said, “We need to rest after this hugely successful first go, and then we’ll see. We would like to be part of as much Ladysmith as possible, so we’ll see.”
READ MORE: Ladysmith raises Pride flag for June
