Just out., June 01, 2007, Page 29, Image 29

In the spirit throughout the region
by Evan Nehring
esidents of Oregon and Southwest Washington
will show their Pride this summer with events
spanning from Vancouver to the Golden State
border.
Event organizers have done a fabulous job
putting the festivities together, making Pride a personal priority and
creating a fun, safe environment for kids, families, queers and
communities.
Statewide Pride revelers see these events as an opportunity to par­
ty hard, create relationships, build community, bond with friends and
honor achievements among queers and allies. To become a genuine
Pride connoisseur, attend them all and show your Pride, statewide.
kday in
Vancouver will celebrate Pride with the 13th annual Saturday in
the Park from noon to 6 p.m. July 21 in Esther Short Park at the
corner of West Eighth Street and Columbia Street downtown. This
year’s theme is “Out and Proud.”
The free, family-friendly event is expected to be a hit, attracting
an anticipated 3,000 people. The celebration will feature live music,
entertainment, information booths, guest speakers, presentations,
a beer garden and more.
For more information visit www.sitppride.org.
The fourth annual North Portland Pride will take place from
noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 5 after morning worship at University Park
United Methodist Church, 4775 N. Lombard St.
The church and co-sponsor Portsmouth Neighborhood
Association will provide free fixxl, including hamburgers, hot dogs,
watermelons and an entire spread of picnic cuisine. There will be
musical performances every hour, including sounds by talented and
popular Portland native Donna Jose. Leading local political figures
are expected to speak at the event, attracting more than 200
people.
For more information visit www.upumc.net.
Ypaiuto/ &kicie
Capitol Pride coordinators are encouraging residents from Salem
and the Willamette Valley to attend this year’s celebration from Drag performers put on a show for a crowd of Pride partygoers last
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Cascades Gateway Park, 2100 Turner year in Salem.
Road S.E. in Salem.
Capitol Pride will feature entertainment, including music by
Nicole Sangsuree; karaoke; speakers, including representatives from
Basic Rights Oregon; vendors from Rainbow Youth, Planned
Parenthood, Freedom Friends Church, Equity Foundation and more;
and a performance from the SheBang Drag Show.
Between 600 and 700 people are expected to attend the event,
which has been growing strong and gaining popularity since its
founding in 1978, when only nine people attended.
An after-party is planned at South Side Speakeasy, 3529 Fair­
view Industrial Drive S.E.
For more information call Jonathan Reitan at 503-880-2536 or
visit www.capitolpride.org.
Pride celebrants from Eugene and Springfield will gather at gor­
geous Alton Baker Park, east of the Ferry Street Bridge on the north
Continued on Page 3 1
Salem celebrants participate in government accountability at
Capitol Pride 2006.
small business development for our community
serving minonties, social enterprises and small tech companies
coaching, business development and p.r.
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