The South Okanagan Similkameen Pride Society will host its first major event in Keremeos on May 11.
The society has worked with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band before on events like the June Pride Carnival, but this will be the first event the society is hosting themselves.
“It’s being led by volunteers who identify in the community who live in Keremeos and in Olalla,” said Heather Adamson, communications director for SOS Pride.
“They reached out to us and said, ‘We would really love to see a dance in our community and can you support us?’ And we said absolutely.”
The ‘Night of Magic and Revelry Dance’ will be held at the Grist Mill and Gardens.
The theme of the night is all about the magic of the forest and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in whimsical attire fit for a dance under the stars.
The event is just for locals, and the organizers are hoping to see people come and enjoy the evening from across the Okanagan, even as far as Kelowna.
“It’s South Okanagan Similkameen Pride. 2SLGBTQ people live everywhere and in a rural community when it’s a smaller population base, then our representation is that much smaller,” said Adamson.
“So it’s really important that we have events where we can come together and we can bring people from other communities and connect throughout the region.”
For people who need a ride from Penticton, there will also be pick-ups and a shuttle service with Top Cat Tours that can be booked through the SOS Pride website.
READ ALSO: Pride society sponsors Indigenous bands to play events in the Okanagan
For people coming from further afield who don’t want to make the drive back in the night, SOS Pride has partnered with the Orchard View Motel in Keremeos to get a discount for people coming for the dance. To get the discount, use the code “Dance” when booking online for May 11.
The event is open to all, and even if someone doesn’t identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ community. “A lot of time people who don’t identify in the community, they’re like, ‘Oh, am I allowed to go to that?’ and the answer is yes, obviously,” said Adamson. “For people coming to their first event, they want to bring a safe person and for many that’s their sibling or best friend who may not be in the community, but they’re supportive and they’re amazing allies.”
Tickets for the dance itself are $35 available online at www.sospride.ca/upcoming-events.
MC Carl Meadows will keep the crowd entertained and laughing all night long and the night’s music will be provided by DJ Decadance.
There will be a cash and card bar provided by Lass Chance Beverage Co. with non-alcoholic fruit soda and alcoholic cider and wine from Clos du Soleil Winery. The night will also have a wide array of door prizes given away thanks to donations from the Keremeos and Cawston businesses community.