CANMORE – A new kind of Pride event is coming to town.
Tapas Restaurant will host the first Pride event of its kind in Canmore, aptly named Prism Party on Tuesday (Aug. 25).
“I feel that Canmore is a strong community that cares a lot, but there’s a lot of people here that are not represented and they have to go to Banff or Calgary to take part in a Pride event,” said organizer Tracy Little. “It’s an area we have been missing and I have a platform to be able to support this cause, so I want to help in anyway I can.”
The outdoor party will take place in the alley between Paintbox Lodge and Tapas Restaurant between 2-10 p.m.
“The socially distanced party will take place in the cute little alley and we will put up fairy lights, put out some high tops and just totally deck it out.”
Little said guests are strongly encouraged to dress up. A live DJ will be on hand to “get guests moving,” and there will be collaborative art projects for visitors to add their mark to.
“We are getting a huge canvas. I’m talking 10 feet. So I thought in lieu of a parade, the community could write their messages of love and support or add their own artistic touch and add something meaningful on it,” she said.
Little noted the event will be socially responsible and follow COVID-19 guidelines. She said masks will be encouraged when guests are not sitting at a table and added that there will be plenty of hand sanitizer. The event coincides with Shake Stir and the Strainbow Initiative, which is in support of Skipping Stone, a Calgary-based foundation focused on connecting trans and gender diverse youth, adults and families with community, mental, social and medical support services.
“Skipping Stone usually hosts many events throughout the province, which is how they are able to fund their services, but with COVID they haven’t had the opportunity to host events," she said. "Anyway that we can help out and support their cause is great and it's something I am passionate about.”
The free event will feature a cocktail with $1 from each sale going towards Skipping Stone. Donations will also be accepted.
“I just want people to have to chance to express their support, show their love, and just show up," Little said.
