What you can expect from a 'revamped' Moncton Pride this summer

Moncton's River of Pride is doubling events this year, expanding to more municipalities and bringing in a renowned drag performer to headline the city's Pride festival this summer.

This comes on the heels of a total board restructuring in December, the non-profit told CBC. It also hired outside consultant Anthony Azard as operational director to help River of Pride, which is celebratingits 25th anniversary this year,build a strategic framework for the organization's future.

"He's helping us revamp River of Pride and creating a better work ethic for us and the future of River of Pride," vice-president Natasha Landry said at a press conference on Wednesday announcing the plans for this summer's Pride.

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Azard will stay on for at least a year, he confirmed to CBC over the phone.

In the fall, he'll guide River of Pride in reviewing all of its bylaws and policies, the first update since 2018, Azard said.

"A lot has changed since 2018," he said.

Plans for pride

Moncton's Pride Festival will last two weeks this year, instead of the usual single week, boasting more than 40 events across multiple municipalities in the province's southeast region, including Bouctouche, Cap-Acadie, Memramcook and Shediac.

The festival will begin Aug.16 and last until Sept.1. There will be the usual riverfront market and parade, but there will also be family days, drag performances, and events for kids, including drag story time at the Moncton Library.

More events include a beach day and a family day at Centennial Park, which will have bouncy castles, glitter artists, balloon twisters and more drag story time. Mexican drag bingo, live music, campfire circles, a riverfront run, karaoke, trivia and more are also on the schedule.

For the adults, there will be many social events, including a 19+ paint night, a '90s glow underwear party, and several happy hour and cocktail events.

This year's Pride will also have educational events, including an evening to learn about HIV and a Trans Talk at the Riverview Library. There will also be an event for parents of 2SLGBTQ+youth, who will have a chance to talk to and support one another.

Also new this year is a food festival, with many restaurants participating, Landry said. Similar to Burger Week or Poutine Week, restaurants will have special dishes likely featuring all the colours of the rainbow available throughout Pride.

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At the end of the festival, there will be a concert featuring Priyanka, the first drag queen to win Canada's Drag Race, anda fireworks show, so this year's Pride can "go out with a bang," Landry said.

The full Pride schedule is available on River of Pride's Facebook page.

During a time of political turmoil and rising hate against the queer community, Landry said visibility is key for this year's Pride, especially so people know they're not alone.

"We're still fighting for our rights. We constantly need to be out there marching and telling people that we do matter," she said.