Home Community Georgina’s Pride Day Event Returns to the ROC

Pride Day ROC_web — Georgina Pride Day at the ROC. Photo: Maureen McDermott

Georgina’s Pride Day Event Returns to the ROC

May 21, 2025

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By Angie Sullivan

Georgina’s sixth annual Pride Day event, All Pride No Prejudice, is set to rock The ROC on Saturday, June 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This family friendly event, hosted by the Georgina Pride Optimist Club, promises inclusive fun, the annual Pride Ride parade, vendors, the Haus of Devereaux drag show, and a BBQ.

Kids can enjoy bouncy castles and craft stations after getting their faces painted with just a little glitter.

The event was held last year at the Sutton Fairgrounds, but has been moved back to The ROC, located at 26557 Civic Road in Keswick.

Grant Peckford, best known for co-hosting Georgina Life on Rogers TV, is the club’s new president.

Peckford is very happy about the return to The ROC. “You don’t put drag queens into a cow patty,” he said. “A flurry of feathers and sequins as the performers cross the grassy knoll pulling their stilettos out of the mud is definitely not something anyone wants to see a second time.”

All performances and activities are free, with only the BBQ requiring payment.

Grant Peckford (bottom left) with Haus of Devereaux

York Regional Police is showing their support for the event again in 2025 with a donation of $500, while the York Pride Internal Support Network contributed $3000. Last year, York Pride Police Association donated money, participated in the parade, and volunteered at the BBQ.

“Members of York Regional Police Association stand proudly with the 2SLGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and every day of the year,” said acting president, Mike Buchanan. “Supporting Pride is about honouring the diversity within our membership, our service, and the community we serve and making sure everyone feels welcomed and respected.”

Mayor Margaret Quirk said, “Celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity is at the heart of what makes our community strong. Pride events like this offer an opportunity to stand together in solidarity and show our commitment to ensuring equality for all. I encourage everyone to attend and share in the celebration of our vibrant and diverse community.”

All families are invited to decorate their vehicles and participate in the Pride Ride parade.

“The Georgina Pride Optimist Club is focused on Community,” said Peckford. “As the world continues to change so must we. The lens we see community through has to broaden. Many in our own backyard are struggling. The face of ‘the family’ is changing. Our role as the Pride organization in Georgina is work with our community providing opportunities and collaborative services to support their journey”