Pride on parade
Pride Cape Breton takes over downtown core on Saturday as thousands watch
It may have been a few minutes late starting but this year’s Pride Cape Breton Parade didn’t take long to wind its way through Sydney’s downtown core, leaving candy, trinkets and plenty of good will along in its wake.
Thousands of people lined the sidewalks on George, Townsend, the Esplanade and Ferry streets to watch the fun while parade volunteers passed out treats, toys and mementoes of the event, taking place on what was probably the busiest weekend of 2017.
In addition to the parade, Cape Bretoners could also attend the 2017 Cape Breton Bike Rally in Membertou, the tall ships, the Sydney Waterfront Festival, busker performances, Highland Village Day in Iona and Louisbourg Crabfest on Saturday.
But all of that didn’t stop people in participating in the parade, said Pride Cape Breton chair Aaron Lahey.
“We have different organizations which have never been in the parade before so that’s excellent,” said Lahey. “There’s lots of different things to look out for in this parade including our Pride Cape Breton float.”
Among those marching in this year’s events were Cape Breton Regional Municipality elected officials and employees, politicians, unions, school boards, Cape Breton University, various local businesses, fire departments, search and rescue, the Canadian Coast Guard and a contingent from the local police force of uniformed and out-of-uniform personnel.
“This year we have the Eskasoni Pride committee as our grand marshals leading us in the parade this year,” said Lahey.
This year’s event was broadcast live on Eastlink, a new sponsor of the parade.
Lahey said he hoped everyone would take part in the week’s events following the parade which last until Saturday and that they enjoy themselves.
“Have a safe and happy pride,” he added.