Drag fundraiser coming to Rainbow Ridge for Celebrate Your Awesome

By Sam Odrowski

A Drag Burlesque Show and Dance is coming to the Rainbow Ridge Resort this Friday, June 9, featuring a lineup of fabulous performers.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and serves as a fundraiser for the local Pride and diversity group, Celebrate Your Awesome, which will host its annual event on June 17 at Alexandra Park in Orangeville.

“It's just a really fun event, go and see a drag show, participate in the dance and be around a bunch of the LGBTQ community,” said Ricky Schaede, committee member of Celebrate Your Awesome. “It's a really great space at the Rainbow Ridge, it has nice outdoor areas, and, it's going to be like a fun party, raising money for Celebrate Your Awesome.”

A similar fundraiser was held last year, raising over $800; this year, organizers aim to double that to $1,600.

Schaede said he heard lots of positive feedback from attendees of the Drag Show and Dance held at Rainbow Ridge to fundraise for last year's Celebrate Your Awesome event. 

“People had a lot of fun, they really enjoyed the show, and they really enjoyed the dance afterwards,” he told the Citizen. “The show kind of gets you in a good mood, and then you get to dance.”

There will be a bonfire at the event as well. 

The Rainbow Ridge is one of four LGBTQ-friendly campgrounds in Ontario, located at 203138 County Road 109, East Garafraxa. The 72-acre property features a 350-person capacity campground and provides a non-judgemental and comfortable space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

For the Drag Burlesque Show and Dance, there will be a food truck on-site, and raffle draws for attendees. 

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door.

The event can accommodate a maximum of 200 people. 

“If you're a fan of Celebrate Your Awesome, and you want to support us, you should definitely come out to the fundraiser,” said Schaede. “It's going to be a super fun time, and if you come, I'll dance with you.”