At the inaugural Neepawa’s Got Pride event last year, an estimated 300 people came out over the course of an afternoon to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ pride in a small-town setting. For organizer Rhian Beever, the turnout was both moving and surprising. “I was blown away by the response,” Beever reflected. “There was always the thought that maybe this couldn't be something you could pull off in a small town like Neepawa, but the reality is we did.”

The success of that first gathering set the stage for bigger plans this year. Organizers are expanding the lineup to include more kids’ activities, additional entertainers, and a broader range of community resources. New for 2025 will be a vendors’ market, offering space for local makers and small businesses to connect with attendees. The focus remains on celebration, but organizers are mindful that Pride’s roots are firmly planted in protest. In more conservative areas of the country, such as rural Manitoba, the simple act of showing up remains meaningful and sometimes even defiant.

“There are people that need to see themselves represented,” Beever explained. “Those of us who are able to be out and free can show them that you can live a life that is full, even though the negative comments in your life may say otherwise. It’s also a big piece of what we were missing as kids—having that representation. So I think showing up is our biggest weapon, in a way.”

Neepawa’s Got Pride will return on Sunday, September 14 at 1 p.m., taking place at ArtsForward. Organizers hope to see even more participation this year, creating both a welcoming space and a visible show of support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the community.

Also in this week’s program, Town of Neepawa Economic Development Officer Marilyn Crewe shared details about the upcoming 10th edition of the What’s the Big Idea? entrepreneurship event. Over the past decade, the initiative has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in startup funding to new businesses in the region. Several past winners have since returned as mentors and speakers, offering advice and encouragement to the next generation of local entrepreneurs. The milestone 10th edition will take place on October 16 at the Legion Hall, continuing its role as a catalyst for innovation and small business growth in the community.

0:00 Introduction
2:45 Interview – What’s the Big Idea?
13:13 Interview – 2025 Neepawa’s Got Pride