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Innisfil Pride brought community together at Chili at the Grange

'What an awesome experience to be part of something bigger than ourselves for the right reasons,' said Innisfil Pride treasurer and events coordinator

The first Chili at the Grange on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, was such a success that Innisfil Pride plans to hold the event a second time in the future.

“Innisfil Pride had a fabulous event," said Grange Hall Coordinator, Michele Rodway. "They raised over $1,200 for Lefroy United Church… we can’t thank them enough."

President of Innisfil Pride, Jake Tucker, told InnisfilToday, “chili fans gave us a tie and the first two pots to be devoured were Dan Davidson's ‘Colorado Chili’ and Clay Whitney's ‘Grampa Whitney's Chili.'"

Treasurer and Events Coordinator of Innisfil Pride, Carol Griffith, was thrilled with the amazing turnout.

“They helped support the Lefroy United Church-Grange Hall, which is part of our past, present, and future. What an awesome experience to be part of something bigger than ourselves for the right reasons.”

Tucker added that Innisfil Pride has been "blessed with many great opportunities over the years, including participating in joint ventures or activities with local community organizations such as the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, UPlift Black, Barrie Pride, South Simcoe Police & Innisfil Fire, and Clean Up Innisfil."

Carol Griffith, Dan Davidson, Megan Varga, Beverly Gifford, and Steven Fishman joined Tucker as new board members. Privately funded by community outreach initiatives, board members and local businesses since 2018, the new board members are excited that Innisfil Pride will soon be a not-for-profit organization. They would love to hold events at Friday Harbour and Dempsey Farms, while partnering with Barrie Pride and UPlift Black.

Innisfil Pride’s 2023-2024 events include an 18+ Drag Night event, which will feature stand-up comedy, performances, and entertainment and their annual Pride Paddle. Their next event is a Valentine-themed vendors’ market, Heart Afire Festival, on Feb. 11, 2023, from 10-4 p.m. at the Grange Hall. To learn more about Innisfil Pride, please follow their Facebook page.   

Amber Green is a freelance journalist for Village Media Inc. 


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Amber Green

About the Author: Amber Green

Amber is a freelance journalist with InnisfilToday. Dedicated to the craft of writing, she is a storyteller at heart who writes novels, poetry, and short stories. She lives in Innisfil.
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