This was LET’S’ second year at Fraser Valley Pride, held at Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission. Fraser Valley Pride represents Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission.
Fraser Valley Pride has “been walking with our youth for many years. What started out as a walk around downtown Abbotsford and a BBQ in the parking lot of Abbotsford Community Services has become a week of Pride festivities in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission! We are excited to come together and celebrate diversity with our youth, their friends, families and community members.”
Last year, LET’S provided a low sensory space in addition to our information booth. This year we did the same. Based on feedback that we provided, we were moved a bit closer to the main event. We were closer to the music but we were much more visible. In addition, in order to encourage people to come to the low sensory space, Fraser Valley Pride created signs with 2SLGBTQIA+ facts on them. The signs led to our booth. We appreciate the extra effort that Fraser Valley Pride made to ensure people were aware of our services.
It was a wonderful day. Our location was among trees with shade and many chose to use our outdoor area. We had a bit of an issue because the tree had birds that liked dropping a red berry on people. The berry bled a bit and it was red so it didn’t startle a few people until we figured out what it was. We were quick with cleaning supplies when they were dropped and we warned people who sat under the trees. It didn’t negatively impact the day but it certainly caught our attention!
Part of what we love about the low sensory space is the relationships we build through conversation. We had a mum who came by to thank us. Last year, we had a long conversation about their neurodivergence. Based on that, they sought out a diagnosis and received it just before Fraser Valley Pride. They were excited to return and let us know their update. We were glad to have been a positive influence in their life. We also had a mum and her cute child who stayed in our low sensory space for most of their day. The child used our rainbow gymnastics mat for some energetic gymnastics. Then, when tired, they had a great time taking all the unused stuffed animals and piling and playing with them. It was wonderful to watch someone who was so delighted by soft and/or weighted stuffies.