SAULT STE. MARIE -- With Pridefest cancelled due to COVID-19, the Sault Ste. Marie Pride organization is getting creative to connect the community in another way.

It's launched a lawn sign campaign throughout the month of July for members of the LGBTQ+ to share their pride with the city.

"It started after we noticed signs up congratulating some of those graduating this year from high school and college, various things like that," said Susan Rajamaki, Sault Pride chair.

"We thought if they're able to celebrate this month, 'why can't we?', so it really picked up steam from there."

Rajamaki says it was a big blow to community spirits, after the group was forced to cancel pride due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We lost a vital way to connect our community," she said.

"So with this, it helps fill the void just a little bit and you know, that's why it's a tag line on the sign, connecting our community, they can show that sign proudly and keep it for years to come."

Organizers say the response from the city has been immense since launching the campaign.

"I personally delivered hundreds of signs myself to people in the Sault," said Linsay Ambeault, volunteer.

"There were countless of others as well in parts of town helping out, so it's been a great response."