‘Come as you are:’ Saskatoon restaurant participates in Pride parade

If you see a bright yellow umbrella and hot pink flamingo on a float Saturday, it’s one of Saskatoon’s restaurants showing its pride.

Scott Dodsworth of the Cactus Club Cafe said the restaurant has supported different Pride organizations for over a decade, with Saskatoon’s Pride Parade being one of them.

This year, Dodsworth said up to 35 staff members will participate in the parade with a “summer-themed” float decorated by staff earlier that week.

“Everyone’s excited about it (coming) together,” he said, adding the float will incorporate flamingos, speakers, portable generators and a bright yellow umbrella.

Dodsworth said participating in the parade is important in helping community members feel empowered, with a sense of pride in who they are.

He said this year, the weather will be a little cooler compared to last year’s parade.

“Last year was phenomenal; it was a very hot day,” he said, adding this year, participants will be gearing up with sunscreen and water bottles.

Dodsworth said he’s most excited to soak in the joy the parade brings, not only with those he works with but from the community and people from nearby towns that make their way to see the parade.

“We’re celebrating the diverseness of the people that we work with and the communities we’re in,” he said, adding $1 from each sale of one of the restaurant’s cocktails — called Cactus Love — this weekend will be donated towards a local Pride organization.

His message for those participating in the parade is “come as you are, have fun, leave happy, (and) love others.”

The parade begins Saturday at 1 p.m. at Spadina Crescent East and 24th Street East.