MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2023

Smiths Falls unveiling Rainbow Crosswalk for Pride Month

Smiths Falls, ON – The Town of Smiths Falls is honoured to be celebrating Pride Month with the unveiling of two brand-new rainbow crosswalks and pride flag raising on Saturday June 3^rd at 1:30pm at the corner of Church and Beckwith Street.

“Adding the two rainbow crosswalks to a prominent location adjacent to town hall and along our busiest street is an expression of our values and stands as a symbol of our inclusivity as a community and especially to those that have been marginalized and discriminated against in their lives.” said Mayor Shawn Pankow. “We recognise that the rainbow cross walk is just one way to recognise and support diversity in our community and this has been our motivation to create the Smiths Falls For All Committee.”

“The leadership that the Town of Smiths Falls is demonstrating is inspirational. Assumptions about small towns are being challenged, as Smiths Falls proves to be a leader in inclusive action. I am incredibly proud to be a resident here, and to be part of the unveiling of the Pride Crosswalk. Thank you Town of Smiths Falls for demonstrating a visible commitment to including all our residents.” Said Kathryn Baker-Reed, Chair of Smiths Falls Pride.

A number of other events being hosted this June in Smiths Falls include:

• June 3^rd at 2:00pm – following the crosswalk and flag raising Decorate your car and join the “Drive Out Parade of Pride” through Downtown Smiths Falls, Hosted by Queer Connections Lanark.
• June 3^rd at 8:00pm – it’s Drag Night at Bowie’s Bar, presented by Café Parodique. Tickets are $20
• June 24^th - the Pride Gayla hosted by Smiths Falls Pride is a fun night of dancing, silent auction, cash bar, and celebrating pride! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online through EventBright.

 “The permanent Rainbow Crosswalk installation is an addition to our growing public art initiatives for the community.  Public Art is an expression of community diversity, being that our differences and individuality add colour and flare to create a unique and exciting place to live and visit.” said Julia Crowder, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

The community is invited to come out and join the Mayor, Council and community partners for the unveiling event.

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Media Contact

Esther Njuguna

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695

Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8

613-283-4124 ext. 1137

enjuguna@smithsfalls.ca