2024 Pride Foothills Wide featured a circus-themed street festival on June 8 in Olde Towne Okotoks.
The festival, organized by True Colors Rainbow Alliance, featured live performances, vendors, circus-themed attractions and more.
The event is a step in the right direction, according to April Bouchard, founder of True Colors Rainbow Alliance.
"I think Okotoks is getting there," said Bouchard. "We definitely have turned some corners from, I would say, maybe three or four years ago, but there's definitely a lot of work to do as well, and that's why we're here."
Bouchard's comments are in light of vandalism experienced on May 30 at Okotoks' recently-repainted Pride crosswalk, only three days before 2024 Pride Foothills Wide kicked off.
"There is just a lot of fear in the queer community just because of legislation from the government and all the things that are happening," said Bouchard.
When it comes to Pride and inclusivity in the Foothills, True Colors Rainbow Alliance is committed to making a difference.
"We're actually working on doing some networking things for queer people and queer youth," said Bouchard.
Pride Month takes place in June annually, and Pride Season is commemorated across Canada from June to September.
