Arnprior Pride treasurer Stacy Mullins-Campbell is joined by her niece at last year’s Pride Market. (Stacy Mullins-Campbell photo)
Pride Month in Arnprior is shaping up to be a great one with a number of special events on the way.
Arnprior Pride, which is partnering with Pflag Arnprior, kicked the month off with a flag raising and proclamation on Monday, June 3 at Town Hall.
Arnprior Pride treasurer Stacy Mullins-Campbell tells us that next up will be the Pride Market on June 9, when Arnprior’s downtown Sunday Market will be Pride-themed and both Arnprior Pride and Pflag will have booths and goodies.
Something new and unique to local Pride events is the Valley Diversity Emporium, planned for June 22 at the Nick Smith Centre.
The event, explains Mullins-Campbell, is dedicated to the principles of anti-oppressive activism, with an emphasis on showcasing and uplifting the works and voices of those committed to feminism, 2SLGBTQI+ rights, disability advocacy, racial justice, and the support of marginalized communities.
Organizers are really excited about the emporium and there are still vendor spots available.
“It’s really going to showcase a lot of equity-deserving vendors and the products that they offer,” said Mullins-Campbell.
And why does it continue to be important to celebrate Pride and diversity with not only the June events, but activities and initiatives all year long?
Mullins-Campbell said her go-to answer of why is it important is that they keep getting asked the question.
The community can help out by sharing the events, attending with open hearts and minds, and by keeping the Pride message alive all year-round.
Students looking to get their community hours, as well as other community members, are welcome to volunteer. Anyone interested can reach out to the Arnprior Pride Facebook page.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)