“The organizing committee has been overwhelmed by the support provided by the business community,” says Wilbur Turner, Co-Chair and Partnership Chair of Okanagan Pride. “With the support of the Presenting Partner Astral, which includes 99.9 Sun FM, AM 1150, and ez ROCK 101.5, along with dozens of other businesses we are well on our way to having the best festival in our six year history.  Not only does the festival provide an annual celebration for a diverse community, it also raises much needed operating capital for the ongoing activities of the Okanagan Rainbow Coalition, a non-profit society which provides community based support throughout the year.”

Sponsorships are still available and are a great way for local businesses to be acknowledged by a large community of LGBT and friends.  Contact partners@okanaganpride.com to get involved.

Okanagan Pride has just released advanced ticket purchases of both a Pride Week package and a Weekend Package at reduced rates until July 31.  Package tickets are available to purchase online at http://member.gayokanagan.com/events.  For British Columbia residents Tourism Kelowna has put together a Pride Festival Contest.  Details are available at http://gayokanagan.com/home/2012/6/27/okanagan-pride-festival-contest.html.

Okanagan Pride is also honored to have famous drag queen Joan-e of Vancouver entertain at many of the events this year including headlining the “Taste the Rainbow” Pride dance on August 18 being held at LeVel, plus appearances at the BBQ and Pageant, and the Pride Family Festival Day and Picnic in the Park.  Surprise appearances will also be made by local drag celebrity Oddree at several events.

Joan-e is the creation of Entertainer Robert Kaiser. Joan-E hosted Vancouver’s longest running drag show, “The Feather Boa Show”, for over fifteen years at the Odyssey Nightclub and now performs every Sunday at The Junction in “Joan@TheJunc” as well as at public and private performances. She hosts “Bingo for Life”  every Wednesday at Celebrities Nightclub. She is a contributing writer for V-rag, and continues to do film and television work and is a past “Leo Award” nominee. She appeared as “Paul” in the Universal Film “Connie and Carla”. Joan-E’s charity work, has resulted her being awarded an accollAID, a  U.S. Congressional Award and The Golden Jubilee Award of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II. In 2010 Joan-e was inducted into Canada’s Queer Hall of Fame.

Save now on early-bird ticket packages until July 31 at http://member.gayokanagan.com/event

The public is invited to attend the official proclamation and welcome at 12:00 pm at Mission Creek Park on Saturday, August 18, 2012 as part of the Pride Family Festival Day and Picnic in the Park.  For a full event guide go to http://gayokanagan.com/pride-events/.

About Okanagan Pride

Okanagan Pride, hosted and organized by dozens of community volunteers, working together under the umbrella of Okanagan Rainbow Coalition, is in its sixth year and continues to see growing support from the community in terms of partnership and event attendance. Visit us at www.gayokanagan.com/pride for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, updates and news.

About Okanagan Rainbow Coalition

Okanagan Rainbow Coalition is a Kelowna based non-profit society with a mission to provide a non-judgmental community focused on integrity, empathy and compassion for those who are in need, and tolerance for those who do not understand the diversity of the community. Their mission also includes creating a supportive environment and providing resources for the central Okanagan’s Queer Communities.