York Pride fest postpones milestone 20th anniversary to 2021

Celebration moves online with innovative programming due to COVID-19

Bradfordtoday.ca
May 6, 2020
Kim Champion

Newmarket won’t be dancing on Main Street this June 20 as the global pandemic has forced the celebration of York Pride and Pride Month online.

This year’s special 20th anniversary parade and festival will be replaced with innovative programming through the organization’s website and its social media channels.

“In 2020, we had expected to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and we will be postponing this milestone celebration to 2021,” a statement at York Pride Festival said. “This will allow us to program at full capacity and deliver incomparable experiences for all.”

All festivals and events have been cancelled in Newmarket until further notice to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“York Pride is staying up-to-date with significant developments and instructions from all levels of government as we strive to implement safer and healthier practices,” officials said.

“We would like to say thank you for your support through our previous years' success. We encourage everyone to stay safe and keep all members of our community in mind as you practice social distancing. Be hopeful, stay safe and be kind during these challenging times.”

The 2018 parade and festival was the biggest to date with 25,000 visitors to Newmarket for the multi-day festival, spokesperson Jacob Gal told Newmarkettoday in June 2019.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford marched in last year's parade, along with Newmarket-Aurora MPP and Health Minister Christine Elliott, Education Minister Stephen Lecce, and Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney.