OUT Jasper is gearing up for its third annual Pride Weekend and is asking all of Jasper’s allies to come out in support of the LGBT community.

Last year was a great success for the weekend-long event, but it attracted far more out-of-town participants than locals. Abner Brown, OUT Jasper’s program co-ordinator, said he’d like to see the scales balanced this year.

“I hope we see the same amount of visitors, but I really hope that at the Mardi Gras event on Saturday, we see more locals come out.

“Everyone in town is welcome. It’s not an exclusive event. It’s just a chance to celebrate human rights and show your support.”

Pride Weekend runs from Feb. 10 to 12. 

The first event, a welcome mix and mingle, is Friday night at the Lobstick Hotel. 

Brown said it’s a chance for visitors to unwind from their travels and mingle with some locals. It’s also a chance for people to buy their tickets for Saturday night’s Mardi Gras party, which is taking place at the Jasper Activity Centre.

This is the second year the Jasper Pride Weekend will include a Mardi Gras-themed party. Last year about 200 people bought tickets.

People are encouraged to come to the activity centre in costume, with beads, masks, boas, the whole nine yards. And for those who don’t have a mask in their tickle trunk, they’ll be on sale at the party, so everyone can take part in the fun of dressing up.

“We definitely encourage people to dress to the theme,” said Brown, noting that the multi-purpose hall will also be in costume. 

For the second year in a row, Phat Cat Event Planning will decorate the hall. 

“Last year it was completely transformed,” said Brown. “You couldn’t really recognize it.” 

Aside from the decorations and costumes, there will also be a drag performance by Terri Stevens and Justine Tyme from Guys in Disguise, and there will be music by DJ Scotty to keep everyone dancing all night long.

Tickets for the event will be on sale at the door or at Coco’s Café.

The weekend also includes a barbecue lunch mid-mountain at Marmot Basin, Saturday, and an Apres Ski party Saturday afternoon at the Whistle Stop Pub.

Anyone interested in volunteering for any of the events should contact Abner Brown at OUT Jasper.