Pride supporters are poised to pounce on Emo with truckloads of queer cheer this Saturday, June 27.
Dubbed the “Emo Ambush”, Borderland Pride organizers promise a colourful, safe, and fun family-oriented event to show support for Pride and the cause of LGBTQ2 inclusion in the area.
As originally announced, this party will consist of a procession of cars and trucks, decorated in rainbow themes and messages of support for diversity and inclusion. The procession will wind through the streets of Emo, keeping pace to a Pride playlist on 93.1 The Border.
Just like the birthday party “parades” that have taken place throughout the pandemic, this COVID cavalcade will adhere to strict social distancing protocols. Vehicles are to assemble at 11 AM at the Emo Arena parking lot for decorating and judging. In the assembly area:
Each participating vehicle will get a free window-mount Pride flag for their car;
Handheld “Pride Lives Here” signs and signs for vehicles will be provided;
Handheld and 2’ x 3’ rainbow flags will be available for cash purchase;
Spare supplies will be on hand to help affix décor items to participating vehicles; and
We’ll pump the parking area with music to kick-start a pandemic Pride party.
Participants are asked, if possible, to register their vehicle in advance at www.borderlandpride.org/ambush, where they’ll find route information, prize categories, and a link to the Facebook event page. Colour, costumes, and creativity are strongly encouraged! Borderland Pride thanks 93.1 The Border, MJ Interactive, Rainy Lake Media, and the Ontario Provincial Police for their assistance with this initiative. (A rain date of June 28 has been set. An announcement will be made on the Borderland Pride Facebook page on the morning of June 27 if there is any change in plans.) ### Quotes: “There are a number of misconceptions out there about what this event will look like because it is obviously at odds with the decision of the local municipality. Prides are always about making a political statement - that is the heritage of Pride, as a movement for equality. But today Prides do so as peaceful, safe, and fun summer activities. This one will be no different, just like our usual 'Passport to Pride' March from International Falls to Fort Frances." - Peter Howie (he/him/his), Co-Chair, Borderland Pride
"This event is a fundamental exercise of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression and association, and we are choosing to confront misunderstanding and homophobia with a positive and colourful message of love and solidarity. There is nothing wrong, hateful, or inappropriate about that. This is quintessentially what Pride is about in a free and democratic society. Pride is powered by public participation - and we are confident people will reflect positively on this occasion as we move forward to the years ahead.” - Douglas W. Judson (he/him/his), Co-Chair, Borderland Pride For more information, please contact: Email: borderlandpride@gmail.com