The Newmarket Business Improvement Association is giving the upcoming York Region Pride Festival a boost as it prepares to kick off in about a month.
The BIA board agreed May 1 to donate $2,000 to the upcoming Pride event and also have members work with it regarding business decals.
York Pride sought $5,000 in support from the BIA for those decals, a cost it has historically borne itself, but said it needed help this year.
“Unfortunately, this year it’s not so much in the budget. There’s been some support scalebacks,” York Pride director of emergency management and sponsorship Jennifer McLachlan said, later adding that any funding support “will go a long way.”
Downtown businesses in Newmarket have historically supported York Region Pride with decals at the front of their stores. McLachlan said York Pride has invested a total of over $20,000 in those decals over six years. The event brings in an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 visitors to the area every year.
BIA Chair Tom Hempen said individual businesses who use the decals may also be able to pitch in to help.
“I think the businesses can afford to give something and try to get you close to your ask and your need,” he said.
Organizers are getting ready for the celebration on the June 14 weekend, with the Main Street parade scheduled for June 15 at 3 p.m.
McLachlan said they will make efforts this year as well to get traffic into the BIA businesses.
“We’re looking to drive more of a direction into the businesses, as opposed to pulling them (attendees) over to the splash pad,” she said.
York Pride is investing more than $100,000 into the festival itself, she added. She also noted that the organization does recognize its sponsors throughout the event and in advertising.
Councillor Bob Kwapis thanked York Pride for its partnership with the BIA.
“We’re looking forward to continued results from you,” he said.
