Celebrating Love with Pride

My name is River Woods, and I am the founder and main organizer of Columbia Valley Pride, based in Invermere, BC, which is the hub of the Columbia Valley, spanning over 100km.

Our main team is made up of a group of six dedicated people (and a few great dogs), all from different walks of life, but with the same goals of creating a safer, more diverse, and more wonderful community for all. We meet monthly for the six to seven months leading up to Pride in June and take a break over the summer and fall. Our events are run completely by volunteers.

2019 was a great year for Columbia Valley Pride! Our annual event, which took place on June 13th & 14th, was incredible. Our afternoon family event, and partnerships with Ullr and Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery made for a weekend full of fun! We have received so much support from so many individuals, local schools, businesses, and other non-profit organizations. We are especially thankful to Clergy Support Memorial Church for its grant of $500 to our organization, which will be supporting Columbia Valley Pride 2020!

In addition to our annual event this year, we had tonnes of fun in the Canada Day Parade, and at our Beach Day in August. We have many dreams for Columbia Valley Pride, including an all-ages group. The support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual, etc youth is so vital for their mental health, survival, wellness, and sense of belonging in the world.

To stay connected with us, you can find us on Facebook at Columbia Valley Pride, and on Instagram @columbiavalleypride. We can also be reached by email at columbiavalleypride@gmail.com.

Columbia Valley Pride 2020 will take place on the weekend of June 20th, 2020. Details to come!

by River Woods, Appointed Designated Minister, CSMC