Dear Friends:
We are excited to share with you final details of the 2024 Passport to Pride March, which is set for Saturday, June 15. Here's what you need to know:
What’s so special about this Pride parade?
Our Pride March is the only Pride parade in the world to cross an international border!
As in previous years, we will gather at Smokey Bear Park in downtown International Falls, Minnesota. Once our march gets underway, we will follow sidewalks to the border, and then make our way to Rainy Lake Square in downtown Fort Frances, Ontario. The route length is approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometres).
Remember: this is a parade for pedestrians, strollers, wagons, and cyclists only. No cars, trucks, or trailers are permitted.
What can I expect at the assembly point?
Marchers can join us at Smokey Bear Park around 10:30 AM. Volunteers from the International Falls Rotary Club, Borderland Pride, and other organizations will be on hand with some giveaway items, including Pride mini-flags. Be sure to bring your signs, your flags, and your Pride spirit!
We are also ecstatic to announce that The Mother Pluckers will be performing for us at Smokey Bear Park. They’re amazingly talented - please check them out on social media and show them some love this Saturday!
Just before our Pride March gets underway, there will be remarks from some local leadership figures and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We will also take a group photo in front of Smokey, like this one.
What happens at the border?
This parade crosses an international border. To participate, you will need to be eligible for entry into Canada (and, of course, you must be eligible for entry to the United States if you live in Canada and are joining us at the starting point in the U.S.).
Our friends at the Canada Border Services Agency will facilitate admission to Canada at the Fort Frances customs office. You will be required to meet admission requirements and to have appropriate identification.
Important Tip: There is often a line of vehicles on Saturday mornings queued up to cross from Canada to the United States. We encourage participants who are joining us from Canada to park in Fort Frances and walk across the bridge in the morning to make sure you get to Smokey Bear Park on time. You don't want to miss out!
What happens at the end of the Pride March?
Lunch, of course! This year we are pleased to share that Safeway has generously provided supplies for a barbeque. The team from RBC Royal Bank will also be assisting us with beverages. There is no cost for these refreshments.
Lou’s Sweet Treats will also be on hand giving out ice cream, courtesy of Borderland Pride, and Party Rock will also be volunteering their DJ services to give us some Pride anthems for your lunch and photos.
What safety measures are in place?
Borderland Pride has made contact with the Ontario Provincial Police and the International Falls Police Department. They are aware of our events and officers will be in the vicinity to attend to any disruptions or provide assistance. If you become aware of any potential threat or safety issue, please notify organizers or contact the appropriate police force.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!
Questions?
Please feel free to email us at borderlandpride@gmail.com.
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