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Jim Stuart Park in Kelowna was packed with people this morning for what turned out to be the biggest Pride March Kelowna has ever seen.
Kelowna Pride General Manager Dustyn Baulkham was thrilled to see so many. "Easily our largest turn-out yet," said Baulkham.
"It's really empowering. It shows that Kelowna is changing. It's progressing forward."
Mayor Colin Basran, who doesn't mind being called your Sugar Plum Mayor on a day like this, was overjoyed at the way the community has come together for the event.
"This is awesome," said Basran, "It just keeps getting bigger and better every year. So excited to see so many people out, showing their pride."
Politicians of every stripe were there, including area MP's Dan Albas and Stephen Fuhr. "I'm thrilled to see the community come together," said Fuhr.
"Look at the crowd here. It's fantastic!" Flanking Fuhr in the march was last year's flag bearer, Anas Qartoumeh. "As long as we have leaders like him," said Qartoumeh, "we are so good, we are safe."
For marchers like Dana Hope, it's overwhelming. "This is my fifth pride here. And I can remember my first time here there were maybe a couple of hundred people and now look," said Hope.
"I'm so happy and so proud about how Kelowna has moved forward." And for his husband Chris Lorey, it was even more emotional. "It brings me to tears," added Lorey.
For the full album of photos click here.
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