There will not be a Pride Parade in Kamloops this summer because of COVID-19 orders regarding group gatherings in the province.

It would have been the fourth annual parade, but organizers say the health and safety of the community is of utmost importance.

“While we are certainly disappointed about the cancellation, we take our role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 seriously,” said a statement from the organizers. “We want to thank the thousands of people who have marched in the Kamloops Pride Parade in past years, the dedicated volunteers, incredible and supportive sponsors as well as the vendors, performers and anyone else who helped make past events a success.”

“We would like to express particular gratitude to the Secwépemc people on whose traditional and unceded territory the events are held.”

There will be a number of free online events held during the weekend of August 14-16. It will include a window display contest, dance, drag show, and more.

“Even though we won’t be able to march through the streets this year, we hope that hosting these events online will allow us to reach an even greater audience and maybe even remove barriers that in-person events may create for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community,” added the statement.

The year 2020 marks 50 years since the first Pride Parade was held in New York on June 28, 1970.

“We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the significant achievements the LGBTQ2S+ community has achieved, and how much work still remains,” said organizers.