It took about three days after a Steinbach Pride event was cancelled last month for Tara Sheppard-Luangkhot to come up with the idea of a new country fair.

The event, held Saturday, was important so "we can continue to celebrate who we are and not let far-right threats or bullies scare us out, because we deserve to live here too," she said.

"We deserve to live here safely and without bullying or threats."

The Pride march planned in the southeastern Manitoba city in September was postponed after organizers said they received serious threats against a performer that could have put attendees' safety at risk.

Despite safety concerns, organizers agreed it was necessary to find a way to celebrate who they are in an area of the province that's known for religious conservatism and proud of it

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