PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
2025 CK Pridefest Sponsors
Gayle Martin
Become a Sponsor
Parade Participation
Pride Parades bring 2SLGBTQIA+ communities & allies together to raise awareness, build community & celebrate diversity.
WHEN: Sat, Aug 16, 2025: 11am
WHERE: Downtown Chatham
COST: Individuals – free
Float or group – $25
APPLY: info@ckpride.com
Vendors & Displays
WHEN: Sat, Aug 16, 2025:12-3pm
WHERE: Harvey St., Chatham
COST: Vendors $40; Food $100
APPLY: info@ckpride.com
All vendors must supply their own tents, tables, chairs, power & water as needed.
Our vendors are an important part of Pride Fest providing information, services & wares to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, families & our allies.
Past Prides
What is Pride?
Pride is both a protest & a party.
Pride is honouring our roots, celebrating our wins, & imagining queer possibilities.
Pride is taking a breath to live in the moment – joyous, unapologetic, & taking up space in a world that says we should not exist.
Why do we celebrate Pride?
1. People are still attacked or discriminated against because of their real or perceived sexual & gender identity.
2. Prides are an opportunity to challenge homophobic & transphobic legislation & practices.
3. Rights can never be taken for granted.
4. Prides contribute to changing hearts & minds.
5. Prides are empowering.
Why Pride in August?
Pride Month in June marks the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. The first Canadian gay rights protest however was in August 1971 on Parliament Hill (the We Demand Rally). By 1973, Pride Weeks started in various cities during August (Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Saskatoon and Winnipeg). Chatham-Kent (amongst other locations in Canada) holds Pride Celebrations in August following this Canadian tradition.