Prides aren’t always sunshine and lollipops, sometimes they’re sugarplum and winepops!
This was definitely the case last week when I was invited to attended the inaugural ‘Out in the Valley’, a unique LGBTQ holiday adventure in picturesque Kelowna.
4 years ago, after approving the city’s first rainbow crosswalk, Mayor Basran was referred to by someone as ‘Mayor Sugarplum’.
What was meant be an insensitive dig at the mayor and LGBTQ community was instead turned upside down and honoured by creating a themed holiday ball to celebrate the name.
The Sugarplum Ball
Now, years later, the LGBTQ community and all its allies continue to come together creating new events anchored around the unforgettable Sugarplum Ball.
This year’s Sugarplum Ball was themed: Fantasies & Fairytales, and for its first time, took over the Kelowna Public Library where hundreds of people arrived in magical and festive costumes.
Knights and Princesses, Woodland Fairies, and Nymphs… There were even storybook characters like Little Red Riding hood who shared her cookies for grandma.
There were multiple food and drink activation stations supplied by some of the city’s best Chefs, wineries and distilleries as well as several backdrops and photo booths to make certain all the fun moments and memories would be captured.
And of course, a pride celebration wouldn’t be complete without an epic performance, and Kelowna’s own Sparkle Duell did just that.
“Off With Their Heads!” Deull shouted as she descended the grand staircase whilst her entourage literally painted the roses red!
A moment unlike any I’ve seen, and one that won’t soon be forgotten.
But the Ball t’was not the only ‘sparkling’ moment from the weekend’s festivities.
Prior to the ball, ticket holders were invited to tour a number of wineries as part of a tour group that partnered daily with a new Drag Queen. We were welcomed inside by winemakers and sommeliers for deluxe tastings at several of Kelowna’s many vineyards.
Throughout the week/end the entire city was abuzz and there was not a local who wasn’t wishing they had shopped quicker for the sold out Drag Brunch at Summerhill Pyramid Winery.
Finishing off Out in the Valley, ticket holders were greeted with a breathtaking view of Okanagan Lake and a morning mimosa at the winery, only then to enjoy an inspired brunch menu, complete with wine pairing, AND 6 numbers by 3 of the city’s most robust queens, including Sophonda Dick and the Mistresses of the Night: Ella Lamoureux & Freida Whales.
For over 50 years, Sophonda has been not only performing, she has been spreading a message of love and inclusion.
And this was the perfect way to end a festivity that celebrated just that…
As Sugarplum Ball has grown over the years, I am certain Out in the Valley will too.
More people, more events, in a city who welcomes the LGBTQ community with open arms!
Im grateful and proud I was able to be a part of this moment.
Mr. Fab in the valley
