2026 Pride March most successful celebration to date

Volunteers and pride workers gathered together Sunday, May 31 at 9 a.m., unpacking and preparing the tents at Upper Queen’s Park for this year’s vendors. Tasks were quickly given out and everyone was sent to work, putting together what was going to become Stratford-Perth Pride’s most successful festival to date. Everyone was feeling just how needed this celebration of love was this year.   

"We are thrilled to see so many community members come out to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at this year’s Pride March and Festival,” expressed A.J. Adams of Stratford-Perth Pride. “We hope that we have been able to create a welcoming space for the community to come be their true authentic selves and show their pride!”

At the Tom Patterson Theatre a few hours later, and after a few speeches, the ninth annual Pride March began. The excited crowd started walking along the river towards Upper Queen’s Park, flags held high and pride on everyone’s faces.

This year's festival had the highest turnout rate to date, with well over 1,000 attendees celebrating pride. A turnout as large as thus year’s helps ensure that pride visibility in Stratford and the Perth County-area is growing ever stronger.

The march concluded at the top of Upper Queen’s Park, leading the marchers through the vendors, welcoming them into the festival, offering resources and showcasing community organizations that are welcoming and accepting for all. Participants then got to enjoy a wide array of activities and attractions at this year’s festival. There was live music thanks to the return of the band Gravity Junky, performances from local drag queens, Brass Panda Brass and On Stage Dance Studio, a kids’ zone with games and facepainting for all ages to enjoy and ally alley, with plenty of resources and information for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies alike.

Food trucks were available at the festival for participants to grab something to eat, whether it was gourmet grilled cheese from Fo’cheezy, Fries from Ken’s or some popcorn from Poppin Kettle Corn.

None of the festival would be possible were it not for the sponsors of the Stratford Pride Festival:the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society, the AV Guy, Dunphy Burdett Lawyers, TD Bank, Good Vibrations Rock Shop, the City of Stratford, Home & Company Real Estate Corp. Brokerage and  Scotiabank. The Stratford-Perth Pride team also wanted to express their thanks and gratitude towards the community of Stratford-Perth; if it weren’t for the participants, members of the community and allies alike, this festival wouldn’t be as successful as it is.    

Every year, more people begin to find themselves, discover who they are, where they belong and learn to be comfortable with who they are meant to be. If you would like to learn more about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or have any questions in regards to pride, the Stratford-Perth Pride can be reached on their website at StratfordPride.com, via email at stratfordperthpride@gmail.com, or on social media under the name stratfordperthpride on both Instagram, and Facebook.

Editor’s note: Sydney Boyle is the program coordinator for the Stratford-Perth Pride Centre.