Why Community Is About Connection, Not Perfection: Lessons From The Hope Pride Festival

This past weekend, Thrive & Connect was honoured to sponsor and support the organization of the third annual Hope Pride Festival. The plan was simple: share a picnic dinner, then unwind with a cozy movie night. We had the screen, the projector, complimentary shaved ice from Envision Financial — and most importantly, the joy of being together.

And then… the technology failed us.

The evening started as planned, before we knew the challenge about to face us.

After 30–45 minutes of troubleshooting, it became clear that the movie just wasn’t going to happen. Even if it did, it was too late to comply with sound bylaws. I turned to look at the crowd behind me, eagerly awaiting the start of the film, knowing I was going to have to get on the microphone and tell them the night was over. It was easily one of the most difficult things I had to do, knowing I would be disappointing at least one eager nine-year-old in the crowd.

But what happened next reminded me of why I do this work.

Instead of frustration, what filled the space was kindness. I did my best to deliver the news with humour and jest (“The projectors have collectively agreed to be homophobic tonight”) and promised to reschedule a movie night for a later date, indoors, with a proven TV. People laughed, offered sympathy, thanked us for the evening we did enjoy together. Most stayed to help clean up the festival. Comfort was provided to organizers and the very upset nine-year-old. Connections were made, and there was a collective spirit of, “It’s okay — we’ll come back together another time.”

As I was holding back tears, trying to hide my feelings of failure and disappointment, a friend reminded me about the words I shared at the opening of the festival. That an event like Hope Pride wasn’t about the bells and whistles big city festivals can afford to produce. That during an era where the community is being targeted by politicians and hyper-focused on in the media, it was more important to be together, heal together, and stand in solidarity, together. And that had been accomplished.

It was a powerful reminder that community isn’t built on perfect execution, big productions, or flawless performances. Community is built when people show up for one another. It’s in the warmth of a conversation, the willingness to adapt, and the joy of simply being together.

We’ll be rescheduling the movie night, and we look forward to gathering again soon. But in many ways, the “failed” movie night was already a success: it showed us that when connection is at the heart, the details matter far less than the people beside us.

At Thrive & Connect, that’s what we believe community development is all about — putting people before perfection.