White Rock Pride Week launched with strong community support and continues to gain momentum, according to Rob Christensen, president of the White Rock Pride Society.
Christensen shared on Tuesday that the events have drawn an excellent response from local residents. He added that only a few tickets remain for the final event, the “Love Is Love Gala,” scheduled for Friday, July 25, at Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club.
The week’s festivities began on Friday, July 18, with the traditional flag-raising ceremony at White Rock City Hall. Around 50 people gathered on the city hall lawn, including local officials such as South Surrey-White Rock MP Ernie Klassen, Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford, and White Rock councillors David Chesney, Bill Lawrence, Elaine Cheung, and Michele Partridge. Members of the White Rock RCMP, Fire Rescue, and city staff were also present.
Mayor Megan Knight and Rob Christensen raised a newly redesigned Pride flag. In his speech, Christensen praised the strong, proactive partnership between the White Rock Pride Society and the City of White Rock.
Poet and actor Johnny D. Trinh, interim director of Vancouver’s Historic Joy Kogawa House, delivered a powerful original poem. His words reflected on the hardships faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the past and celebrated their growing recognition and inclusion in society today.
Later that same day, the annual Pride Ride brought together about 25 vehicles, including several vintage cars. The group started at Centennial Park, looped through White Rock, and then traveled west to east along Marine Drive.
Christensen noted the strong support from the White Rock RCMP, who helped guide the vehicles safely through town. He also said the ride received a warm welcome from people along Marine Drive.
One of the week’s highlights, the fourth annual Family Day, took place at Miramar Plaza. The event was full of energy and fun for all ages.
“There was great attendance and lively engagement with the performers,” Christensen said. “Kids had a fantastic time, and local businesses showed strong support.”
The City of White Rock played a major role in making the events possible by supporting the use of city spaces and streets. The White Rock Business Improvement Association (BIA) also remained highly involved. This was especially clear at Monday’s Pride Mingler event at White Rock Beach Beer, which drew about 70 businesspeople.
The final major event of White Rock Pride Week is the “Love Is Love Gala.” This year’s gala features a Wizard of Oz theme. It will be held on Friday, July 25, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club.
