Pride in the Puddle week is officially underway after a raising of the Pride flag at city hall on Aug. 19.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor helped raise the flag, with Kukpi7 (Chief) Willie Sellars of Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) and WLFN drummers providing cultural support for the event.
Sellars spoke about the importance of community, empathy, and the significance and sacredness of Two-Spirit people in Indigenous cultures.
Rathor then talked about respecting one another in the community and the equality of all people.
Carrie Julius, Williams Lake Pride Society's vice president, then said a few words recounting the "joy and the freedom to have fun and be yourself with the support of your friends and family" the group enjoyed at their pool party on Sunday, Aug. 18, in conjunction with 100 Mile Pride Society.
Others in attendance at the flag raising to help kick things off were: Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson, NDP candidate for Cariboo Chilcotin and city councillor Michael Moses, and representation from Thompson Rivers University - Williams Lake Campus staff.
This week, more Pride events will take place in the lakecity including:
Tuesday, Aug. 20, the group is hosting a giveaway via their Williams Lake Pride Society Facebook page. Answer the skill-testing question to win a prize.
Thursday, Aug. 22, WLPS will have a casual blanket gathering at the final Performances in the Park event starting at 6 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m., a Rainbow Walk will begin at city hall and take sidewalks through the downtown to end at the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Centre for some light refreshments.
Saturday, Aug. 24, starting at 6 p.m., WLPS is hosting a Magical Mixer at the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Centre for those 19+. Tickets are $30 or $25 with WLPS membership. Ticket includes pasta dinner, dessert, one drink from the cash bar, and entry into the trivia contest. There will be prizes to be won just for showing up and for trivia winners.
Tickets available at The Open Book, Charms Adult Novelty Boutique, and Cariboo Corner Store.
