Creston’s second annual Pride Fest is set to be a day of celebration and connection – with organizers promising an even bigger and better experience than last year.
On June 14, the festivities will move to the larger venue of Canyon Park, which also reflects how much local support has grown.
“We’re so stoked,” said Sin S., head co-ordinator with OUTspoken. “We’ve amped up the space — five times bigger. There's accessible parking, so the parking problem is beautifully solved. And we have more shade for vendors.”
The inaugural Pride Fest in 2024 exceeded expectations, drawing a larger crowd than anticipated.
“It was a really beautiful community event,” said head co-ordinator Nikolas McCready. “It was so wholesome and kind. That's what we're trying to repeat this year.”
This year’s Pride Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. The day kicks off with a vibrant vendor market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring over a dozen artists and artisans, live music, and games for kids.
Last minute vendors are welcome, and it’s free to participate. Reach out via email to outspoken-creston@hotmail.com for more information.
The afternoon will feature a 2SLGBTQ+ resource workshop from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by a queer community panel discussing experiences of living in the Creston Valley.
“It's open to everybody to attend, and it's just a really informative, educational way for people to learn and get more resources about what we have available here in the Kootenays,” said Sin.
The festival will continue into the evening. From 5 to 8 p.m., the stage will light up with drag and musical performances. Cash tips are encouraged from the audience for the queens.
“It really does enhance their performance,” Sin said.
The evening ends with a karaoke party from 8 to 10 p.m., which was a surprise hit at last year’s event.
“That gives people a little bit more time to let loose and have more fun with it,” said McCready.
Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day, and volunteers get in free and are treated to meals during their shifts. More helping hands are always needed. Email outspoken-creston@hotmail.com to find out more.
“Our amazing committee has been working their butts off to make it work and to bring everything together. It has been incredible,” said McCready.
Entry to the festival is by donation, with all proceeds going towards future pride events with OUTspoken.
The celebration will end Sunday morning with a drag brunch. Be sure to check out OUTspoken’s Facebook page for updates.
Pride Fest is just one of many ways the group has become more visible in the Creston community. Over the past two years, the group has made appearances at the local farmers’ market, joined the Blossom Fest parade, and helped establish June as official Pride Month in town.
“The community that we live in has really welcomed us with open arms for the most part,” said Sin. “We're about love. We're about acceptance. As long as OUTspoken is here, love will grow here.”
McCready agreed, saying he has noticed positive steps forward for the future of inclusivity in Creston.
“As much as it is our efforts, it's also the fact that Creston is changing in this beautiful way where people are so beyond excited to see us,” he said. “It makes every single year get a little bit easier and a little bit more exciting because it is bringing change and we're seeing it.”
