Activities leading up to Pride Week in the Battlefords are already underway as the first rainbow crosswalk has gone up in Battleford.
The multi-coloured crosswalk is across from Town Hall on 1st Avenue West. A good turnout of supporters of the LGBTQ community in the Battlefords was on hand Thursday evening to paint the crosswalk and then raise the rainbow pride flag at Town Hall. Mayor Ames Leslie attended along with councillors Doug Laing and Kevin Russell and other town officials.
Leslie said town council unanimously approved the crosswalk to show their support to pride as well as to fly the flag.
“Today was the first step, the crosswalk is painted, it looks absolutely amazing, nice bright colours. And as well we have the flag flying in support of Pride Week.”
According to Kelly Waters, organizer of Pride Week, the rainbow crosswalk was a “symbol of celebrating diversity and inclusiveness.”
Another rainbow crosswalk was scheduled to be painted Sunday morning in North Battleford across 12th Avenue and 100th Street.
The official Pride Week happens in the Battlefords Aug. 20 to 26 when a number of events are scheduled, including a Pride Walk in North Battleford Aug. 25.
There is also a pride float entry into the Battleford parade Friday and in the North West Territorial Days Parade in North Battleford Tuesday.
