Fort Erie values ‘diversity and inclusion’: Redekop at Pride event

The Fort Erie Pride Festival started six years ago and brought out about 20 people in its inaugural edition.

Held back then at the Bell Tower on Central Avenue, it has relocated in recent years to the Leisureplex banquet hall.

It was also previously held across from the Fort Erie Race Track at the site of the former travel information centre.

Saturday’s event drew hundreds of people and Noel Leboeuf, one of the main event organizers, couldn’t have been more pleased by the turnout.

“We couldn’t do this without the support of the community,” he told Fort Erie Radio in an interview, adding how appreciative he is of Mayor Wayne Redekop and town council for their backing.

The event continues to get “bigger and bigger,” he said.

There was a drag show, 36 vendors from various organizations, STD testing, food and beverages, as well as a performance and music video shoot for local singer Selena Carlson, who now goes by ‘Selee.’

“It’s really neat we can incorporate all that together,” Leboeuf said.

Mayor Redekop delivered remarks on behalf of the municipality, also pointing out that councillors George McDermott, Tom Lewis, and Joan Christensen were in attendance, as well as regional councillor Tom Insinna.

He said there are a lot of “strange things” going on in the world in today’s political climate of opinions, but assured everyone at the event that the local government is proud to be represented there.

The town “very much supports the values of diversity and inclusion,” said Redekop.

“We’re very proud that we’re an open community, a welcoming community,” he said.

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