Nearly 100 people turned out Monday morning for a flag-raising event at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre as Pride Week officially began.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the community. After being raised, the flag was lowered to half-staff to commemorate victims of the New Brunswick shooting Friday in which four people, including two police officers, died.
Mayor Hope noted the crowd was the largest he has seen for the event.
Pride Week continues with an official dedication of the rainbow crosswalk at the corner of King and Forsyth streets Friday at noon.
Chatham-Kent’s first Pride Parade will begin at the Civic Centre Saturday morning at 9 a.m. A day of activities is planned for Tecumseh Park. The weekend will conclude with a Saturday night dance and a Pride Worship Service Sunday at St. Andrew’s Church.
