Friday, August 1, 2008

Vancouver Pride 2008: Pride officially kicking off at noon, prepare for rain and border crossings


Vancouver Pride 2008 is less than 15 minutes from officially kicking off with a planned launch at the Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby Street).

Members of the Vancouver City Council and Vancouver Pride Society President John Boychuk are scheduled to give brief speeches to mark the beginning of this year's festivities. Gilbert Baker and Sahran Abeysundara, two of the parade grand marshalls, are also expected to appear at the Pride launch.

If you are headed to Vancouver this afternoon or evening, bring warm clothes and a rain jacket because it's been off and on rain since yesterday and the weather is a tad chilly.

Here are some tips for getting you across the border with less hassles:

* Have passport in-hand as you approach the customs agent.
* Be honest in your reason for visiting Canada. I told the agent that I was visiting for "Gay Pride", and he asked "oh, is that this weekend?" then immediately let me through.
* Know the hotel and/or area where you'll be staying at because you may be asked.
* The more you bring in, the more it gives Customs agents to consider going through. So pack light and leave unnecessary items at home.
* Be courteous to Customs agents, even if they're not, because at any time they can pull you aside for further questioning.
* Two people on my shuttle yesterday were not admitted through because of expired documents, so please make sure your documents are up to date.

In other Pride-related news, there are so many parties happening this w'end but one of THE hottest is at Club 816 (aka The World) located at 816 Granville. New York DJ Billy Carroll is set to spin, beginning at 2am tomorrow (technically Sunday morning). The first 100 people through the door get in for free!

More from Vancouver Pride 2008 coming soon,



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