The “Hat-tastic” 40+ Parade for women will see women over 40 in Grande Prairie, marching in solidarity with one another to address the issue of “social invisibility” for middle-aged women in modern life.
Event organizer Larysa Naser says the parade is dedicated to the empowerment of women over the age of 40, who struggle to find their voice in society. She says the parade marks a statement of visibility and support.
“I thought that if we meet all together and walk in the center of the city, we can support each other and we can address the problem,” she says.
Parade attendees are asked to gather at the intersection of 100th Avenue and 99th Street and wear their favourite hats as a symbol of unity. Naser says the hats are more than just a fashion symbol however, she says the hats represent the “vibrant lives” of women over 40.
“It’s to get our voice out, and to make it more fun I thought it would be cool if all of us wore hats to show off, to say we are visible, we are here.”
The event is free to attend, and the walk is scheduled for June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.