A float from last year’s Pride Parade – photo 250 News archive

Prince George, B.C. – The 18th annual Pride Parade in Prince George is shaping up to bigger than ever before.

“It’s going pretty good actually,” says Pride Prince George president Valentine Crawford on preparations for the event. “If you look at last year’s growth, you’re probably looking at almost 2,000 people participating.”

He says that’s a big improvement since he first took part in 1999.

“Yes. I was 16 years old and it’s gone from a small group of a couple hundred to massive with spectators along the entire parade route, the mayor participating, locals businesses and all walks of life.”

Crawford, who’s openly gay himself, says it does symbolize a shift in public opinion.

“There definitely has been. It’s about visibility and acknowledgement that we exist,” he says. “But the unfortunate flip side is that what’s happened is homophobia has kind of gone underground and it’s more subtle.”

He expects some dignitaries to attend, including mayor and Council, but not others.

“MPs and MLAs don’t usually respond or they’re not available to participate. At least the last 12 years I’ve been involved.”

He says this year’s event goes July 11 starting at 11:30 am outside City Hall and says they’re short volunteers.

Those interested in helping out can email info@pgpride.com. A volunteer orientation takes place today from 2-4 pm at ArtSpace.