One great thing about the summer is the fact that you could travel to any country in the world and find somewhere to celebrate Pride on any given weekend. Perhaps more unique to Canada is that we have the thick skin to hold celebrations during the unbearable winter months, and this includes Jasper Pride.

This is now Jasper’s 2nd year holding Pride celebrations, and they would like everyone to come to the mountains and join in the festivities.

Jasper Pride began with the efforts of OUT Jasper, HIV West Yellowhead, and the support from local businesses including Mountain Park Lodges, Marmot Basin, Coco’s Café, and Jasper Adventure Centre in partnerships with Travel Alberta.

Jordan Tucker feels that in particular, OUT Jasper is on the right track. "OUT Jasper is a new LGBTQ project that was set up to create a supportive group for the community living in town and to educate and spread awareness of the LGBTQ community at large within the town and surrounding area. There will be outings such as ice skating, movie nights and cross country skiing in the winter. Once the summer is here again, there will be hiking, the 4th annual LGBTQ camping trip, BBQs and more. OUT Jasper will have its 4th annual International Day against Homophobia BBQ May 17th, celebrate National Coming out Day, while also continuing to visit the local and surrounding high schools to give talks on sexuality and bullying. All the while, OUT Jasper will be helping to work on Jasper Pride Weekend 2012."

According to Pride Jasper, some of their goals for hosting the annual Jasper Pride Weekend are "to support OUT Jasper and the GLBTQ Community, create positive awareness within the community of Jasper to both locals and visitors while promoting Jasper as a gay friendly destination."

Last year’s premiere event was attended by about 40 people along with friends and supporters. There was a plethora of activities and a night of dance and drink.

This year Pride Jasper runs from February 11th to 13th. Mountain Park Lodges and Chateau Jasper is the host hotel and they are featuring guest rooms for $79.00+tax per night (based on single/double occupancy). You are welcome to book at another hotel if you prefer, but if you would like to stay at the Chateau Jasper you can give them a call at 1-888-8JASPER to book your room.

There will be a mixer on the Friday night that comes complimentary with the Pride Package. It will be held in the Skyline Room, Lobstick Lodge right beside Chateau Jasper. There will be a cash bar, reception compliments and live music by local performer Sam Heine. There will also be a silent auction benefitting OUT Jasper.

On Saturday OUT Jasper and HIV West Yellowhead will be hosting a themed party at the Jasper Activity Centre. The cost is a small fee of $10.00 and again, all of the proceeds will go towards future events for OUT Jasper that include activities and peer support. There will be a performance by Rae Spoon, a drag show and dance with DJ Feen.

The two days worth of events include ski days. Marmot Basin will be featuring an Après Ski in the Lower Chalet at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon.

Take some time to visit Jasper and celebrate Pride in a way only Canadians can!