Brussels' Alex Jebson leads Huron County Pride into its most ambitious Pride Week yet
BY SHAWN LOUGHLIN
Ahead of its fourth annual celebration of inclusion, Huron County Pride has significantly expanded its offerings this year as part of an ongoing process to bring in more days, more communities and, ultimately, more people.
The organization began with a one-day Pride Festival held in Goderich, which was successful even in its first year, but has since expanded to a full weekend of events and now a full week of events with Pride hosting get-togethers throughout the warm weather months in Huron County. Furthermore, Pride President Alex Jebson, who readers of this newspaper will know as the pastor of Blyth and Brussels United Churches, has been making a conscious effort to make inroads around the county, hosting events and reaching out to all corners of the county, from its southern tip to its northern reaches, ensuring that Huron County Pride doesn’t become too Goderich-focused.
Jebson has been a member of the Huron County Pride committee since its inception, but only stepped into the lead role in late 2024. The 2025 festival was his first as the leader of the organization and now, this June, he will be at it again, only this time at Lions Harbour Park, due to the extensive ongoing construction on The Square.
This year’s Pride Week runs from June 2-7 with events every day, peppered all throughout the county.
The action begins on Tuesday, June 2 in Seaforth with a Bring Your Own Craft (BYOC) night and sign-making workshop at the Seaforth Library. The focus there will be a mini protest sign workshop at the library.
On Wednesday, June 3, there will be a documentary screening at the Huron County Museum in Goderich from 2-4 p.m. The film will be Queer Acts of Love and Resistance, which will be presented in partnership with No Hate in Huron, with a question-and-answer period to follow.
The next night, there will be a tie dye and acid wash session at the MacNaughton Park pavilion in Exeter. No experience is needed for this challenge.
On Friday, June 5, Bad Apple Brewing near Grand Bend will be hosting a Pride trivia night at the brewery from 7-9 p.m., followed by the main event, the fourth annual Huron County Pride Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 at Lions Harbour Park in Goderich.
The day will include the organization’s Pride Market, drag shows, family Pride events, food and drink, live music and more.
The next day, Sunday, June 7, there will be two Pride church services - first at Brussels United Church at 9:30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. at Blyth United Church - followed by the Bayfield Trail Association’s fourth annual Pride Walk, which will go ahead on Clan Gregor Square in Bayfield from 11 a.m. to noon that day.
Jebson took the time to sit down with The Citizen and talk about not only this year’s event, but about his time at the head of the organization and the work he’s done to ensure that Huron County Pride does exactly what its name suggests, encapsulates all of the county with its efforts. Not only that, but he has gone to great lengths to bring in people to help organize the events from all around the county, offering differing perspectives as the event comes together every year.
He said that the group is doing well in its efforts to spread awareness and acceptance throughout the community, even as national and international attitudes surge rightward and LGBTQ rights are attacked, scaled back or eliminated altogether around the world.
Having said that, even as the international world turns one way, he has seen the attitudes of many residents of Huron County turn another way, as acceptance, awareness and understanding has elevated in recent years and that the idea of Pride has gone from a fringe effort to part of the everyday conversation for many.
As for the practical side of things with Huron County Pride, like all great leaders, Jebson says he wouldn’t get very far without his team. His vice-chair is Nathanya Field, who locals will know from the Blyth Festival, as well as Secretary Taylor Bos, Treasurer Jacob Bjerg, Director of Policy and Governance Matt Hoy, Head of Equity and Inclusion Mark Nonkes and directors Allan Dewhirst and Andy Ogilvie.
For more information on this year’s Huron County Pride offerings, visit its Facebook page or its website.