Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest 2024
Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest 2024
A Vibrant Celebration of Diversity and Drag
SARNIA, Ontario - Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest 2024 was a spectacular two-day celebration that brought together a diverse array of talent, creativity, and community spirit. Held on July 12th and 13th, the festival featured an impressive lineup of events, each highlighting the unique vibrancy of the drag and LGBTQ+ community.
Friday Night: Mosaic
The festivities kicked off on Friday night with Mosaic, a BIPOC-focused event at Refined Fool Brewing Company. The evening's headliners were Salina EsTitties from season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race and Jada Shada Hudson from season 3 of Canada's Drag Race. Special guests included Galaxy, Kamilla Flores, The X Wife, Brenda, Tammy The Brown, and Kara Melle.
** Click the buttons below to see video clips from the first set **
The atmosphere was electric as attendees from near and far gathered to celebrate. Salina EsTitties brought unparalleled energy to the stage, even dancing on the bar and performing a medley of her memorable Drag Race lipsync battles. Jada Shada Hudson provided a captivating contrast with her sultry, slow movements that interspersed bursts of high-energy action. The night was a perfect blend of dynamic performances and stunning looks, setting a high bar for the rest of the festival.
Saturday: Pride in the Park
On Saturday, the celebration continued with Pride in the Park at McGibbon Park. This family-friendly event featured a musical performance by Sarah Smith, a variety of vendors, and activities for kids. The drag entertainment, hosted by Benz Menova and Sheerah Mae Heartt, showcased performances by Liquorice, Keri Mia Way, Kit Thunder, Lavender Skyes, Brattery Acid, and Suga Cube.
The sunny weather added to the joyous atmosphere as attendees of all ages enjoyed the performances and activities. Pride in the Park was a testament to the inclusive and welcoming spirit of the Sarnia-Lambton community, providing a safe and fun space for everyone.
Saturday Night: YOUphoria
The festival's climax was YOUphoria, an all-trans and non-binary cast event at Imperial City Brew House. Headlined by Kylie Sonique Love, the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 6, and The Girlfriend Experience from Canada's Drag Race season 4, the night featured special guests Farra N Hyte, Heaven Lee Hytes, Poison, Maple Queef, Tommi Boy, and Brenda.
** Click the buttons below to see video clips from the first set **
Kylie Sonique Love wowed the crowd with her high-energy performances, including a Gwen Stefani-inspired act and a daring strip-down to a string bikini. The Girlfriend Experience, however, stole the show with a jaw-dropping performance that left the audience in awe. The chemistry between Farra N Hyte and Heaven Lee Hytes was palpable, and Tommi Boy's engaging performances kept the energy high throughout the night. The event, which encouraged donations for QT Camp, was a roaring success and left an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.
Supported by Diversity Ed, Sarnia-Lambton Pride Fest 2024 was a memorable celebration of love, diversity, and self-expression. Each event highlighted the talent and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, making it a festival to remember.
For exclusive interviews with Salina EsTitties, Jada Shada Hudson, Kylie Sonique Love, The Girlfriend Experience and Brenda visit the links below.
Photos and review by Kevin Blondin
Diversity Ed. Presents Icesis Couture
Diversity Ed. Presents Icesis Couture: Heartfelt Moments Illuminate Sarnia’s Drag Scene
Heartfelt Moments Illuminate Sarnia’s Drag Scene
SARNIA, ON - The Refined Fool Brewing Co. was ablaze with vibrant performances and heartfelt moments as Diversity Ed. presented a dazzling showcase headlined by the illustrious Icesis Couture. Hosted by Poison and Galaxy, this unforgettable event brought together drag artists from across Southwestern Ontario to raise funds for a worthy cause.
Featuring an eclectic lineup including Maple Queef, Chimaera, Kamilla Flores, Sheerah Mae Heartt, Brenda, and Xtacy Love, the evening promised a spectacle of talent and diversity. Starring Icesis Couture, the winner of Canada's Drag Race season 2, the event was a celebration of inclusivity and community spirit, brought to you by Diversity Ed., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Trans and Queer Youth.
The first set kicked off with a bang as Poison took the stage, delivering a dynamic performance to the tune of Dua Lipa's "Hallucinate." Despite sustaining a foot injury towards the end of the song, Poison remained a crowd favorite, captivating the audience with high kicks and a death drop.
Sheerah Mae Heartt followed suit, captivating the crowd with her energetic rendition of Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." Sporting a multicolored fluorescent tiger-striped jumpsuit and pretty blue hair, Heartt wowed the audience with fancy spins and a daring split on the dance floor.
Chimaera made a grand entrance, dancing to Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" in a bright coral fluorescent outfit. With sunglasses on and a dramatic throw to the floor, Chimaera commanded attention with high energy and impressive ground work.
The surprises kept coming with a special guest appearance by Xtacy Love, who delivered a mix of hits including "Milkshake" by Kelis and "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. Sporting a lime green fluorescent jumpsuit, Xtacy Love's performance was filled with splits and a heartfelt speech promoting love and acceptance.
The evening continued with captivating performances by Kamilla Flores, Maple Queef, Galaxy, and the sensational Icesis Couture. From dynamic dance routines to soulful ballads, each artist left their mark on the stage, engaging the audience with their unique style and charisma.
During the second set, Galaxy took center stage in a beautiful white sequin dress, delivering a powerful rendition of "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman. Sheerah Mae Heartt returned with a lively performance to Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker," while Chimaera kept the energy high with "Dance Again" by Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull.
The night reached its climax with a heartfelt duet by Sheerah and Galaxy to Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," raising $240 in tips for Diversity Ed. As the audience cheered and celebrated, it was clear that the spirit of unity and generosity filled the room.
On Saturday, March 9th, 2024, in Sarnia, Ontario, Diversity Ed. Presents Icesis Couture proved to be a night to remember, showcasing the power of drag to entertain, inspire, and make a difference in the community.
Review by Anna Kettle
Edited by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Kevin Blondin