It was the first time Willoughby resident Paul Alexander had attended a Pride Day in his home town.
"I've been to Vancouver Pride a few times, but I'm so thrilled to be here for 91原创 Pride," a smiling Alexander told the 91原创 Advance Times, as he navigated the crush of visitors inside the 91原创 Senior Resources Society (LSRS) centre.
"It's such a good way to build community and just joy and love for everyone," Alexander added. "I think everyone deserves to feel happy and safe, and Pride is the perfect way to do that."
Crowds packed the 91原创 City seniors centre on Saturday, Aug. 9, to celebrate the third annual 91原创 Pride Day.
Among the dignitaries was Ernie Klassen, MP for South Surrey-White Rock, the former president of the White Rock Pride Society, and 91原创 City Mayor Nathan Pachal, who described the event as "a really exciting inter-generational Pride celebration."
Outside, the parking lot was overflowing and arrivals were being directed to the nearby school.
Sister Diversity Rains was a colourful visitor from the Abbey of the Long Cedar Canoe and the , a self-described order of 21st century queer nuns who use humour to campaign for vulnerable people, including those affected by HIV and the homeless.
"it's a joy to be here," she said.
"The significance of the event is to let the overall community know that we're here, know that we care, know that we have a ways to go, and that we're going to get there with everybody's help."
Kate Ludlam, 91原创 Senior Resources Society executive director, said attendance was up for the third year of the event.
"There's definitely a buzz in the air," Ludlam said. "We've had people coming from Vancouver and White Rock. Definitely a lot more people here today. And I just want to say how wonderful it is for our volunteers, because they've been working hard all year round, and it's definitely a success today."
The last few years it was Silver Pride for seniors but this year, it became a joint effort of LSRS, the Senior Pride Social Group, and the 91原创 Pride Society who expanded the event to include all ages.
James Long, one of the board members of the 91原创 Pride Society, said the day has become something that promotes inclusivity and acceptance.
"I think that this itself brings forth the fact that we're still here, we're not going away, and we just want to be part of the community like everybody else," Long said.
91原创 Pride Day started with a flag raising ceremony, and featured an artists' market, guest speakers, drag bingo, dance performances, a film screening, 50/50 draw, and face painting.
The centre's cafe was open throughout.
New this year was live entertainment, with music by Soulful Guitarist Ernestine, a drag show (Scarlett Rose, Justin Abit, Lavender Flame, Heather Ripley, Colin Alda Monsters, and GoldBard) followed by Queer as Funk and the Undercover Band.
The show was sold out.
