Local support shines through at Clark County Pride festival

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- In a time when LGBTQ+ individuals feel they have become targets by the Trump administration, small town events garnering support from the local community are paramount.

That's the belief of Clark County Pride, the organization behind the 5th Annual Rainbow Walk and Festival, which took place in La Center, Wash. on Sunday.

Geared towards the celebration of queer identities, the event kicked off Pride Month, attracting around 200 people of all ages and beginning with a short parade on the La Center Bridge.

During the parade, attendees told KOIN 6 News that the community response was "so full of joy."

"We're getting so many waves and thumbs-ups and honks," said community member Lacey Meehan.

Although five counter-protesters made an appearance, holding up signs on the opposite side of the street, paradegoers drowned them out with even more honks and cheers.

"Let's make some noise!" the parade's leader shouted. "Let's show these bigots what pride looks like!"

All of this culminated at a festival in Holley Park, with DJs, live music, food, a resource fair, as well as arts and crafts.

Kaycee Weaver, Clark County Pride's event coordinator, told KOIN 6 News that ultimately the goal of this was to bring awareness in a place that doesn't have as many resources or support for those identifying as LGBTQ+.

"There's just not a lot of representation out here," Weaver said. "We face a lot of difficulties finding support and resources for our area and we just want to be sure that we're out here supporting people, letting them know that we're here and we have a network."

Community member Emily Lake echoed this, stressing how significant it is for people to show up for the queer community in a small town.

"Small town events are huge," she said. "Everybody loves a pride parade, but showing up for your local community - especially with school districts and everything - it's so important that you show up for the people closest to you."

Lake also noted how the festival has evolved since its inaugural event in 2021.

"It's way nicer this year than it's been," she said. "I've come to this event for three years now and just seeing it grow and community grow, that's what pride is. Not about itself, not an individual, but all of us together."

This parade and festival marked the first of more Pride events to come in the Clark County metro area this year.