Breathe in the rainbow: South Perry’s Pride in Perry drew thousands Saturday as neighbours, families and local businesses turned a wet afternoon into a warm, inclusive street festival , a reminder of why local Pride events still matter.

  • Local roots: Founded in 2017 by Odyssey Youth Movement, Pride in Perry began as a small evening open-house and has grown into a full street festival.
  • Community feel: The event featured 44 local vendors and involvement from 14 South Perry businesses, giving it a lively, neighbourhood market vibe.
  • Youth-focused: Odyssey Youth Movement organises the event to support LGBTQ+ youths and young adults, with accessible programming and outreach.
  • Family-friendly: Attendees included families and parents who moved neighbourhoods to find supportive communities; the atmosphere was welcoming despite rain.
  • Hands-on fun: Sponsors like South Perry Together handed out event passports and volunteers kept things moving , practical touches that made the festival feel organised and cosy.

A soggy Saturday that felt sunny , the opening hook

Thousands packed the sidewalks of South Perry despite a June drizzle, clutching umbrellas and wearing bright colours that seemed to defy the weather. The sensory picture was cheerful , soggy pavement, the rustle of vendor stalls, the murmur of conversations and a lot of laughter. According to the Spokesman-Review, the turnout underscored how much Pride in Perry has become a go-to local celebration.

From a tiny open house to a neighbourhood festival

Pride in Perry started in 2017 as a modest evening event, Ian Sullivan of Odyssey Youth Movement recalled. It was mostly a couple of restaurants and an open house at the youth centre then. After the pandemic paused large gatherings, organisers reimagined the format and moved to a festival style, which allowed more vendors, more programming, and a fuller, street-level celebration.

Why local Pride matters , beyond the big city parade

Big Pride parades get the headlines, but neighbourhood events do a different kind of work. Pride in Perry happens at month’s end, intentionally timed after larger regional Pride activities, and it gives families, young people and small businesses a chance to connect more quietly but meaningfully. Odyssey’s focus on young people means the festival doubles as outreach and a safe, visible space for LGBTQ+ youths and allies.

Vendors, passports and practical community organising

This year’s footprint included 44 vendors and 14 businesses from South Perry, and sponsors such as South Perry Together handed out event passports to encourage people to visit multiple booths. Those small logistical touches matter: they keep people moving, help vendors sell, and make the festival feel curated rather than chaotic. If you’re planning to attend next year, bring cash and a light jacket , local stalls tend to sell handmade goods and snacks that don’t always take cards.

Families came , and some even relocated for community

Anecdotes from the festival were telling. One parent said she moved from Okanogan so her daughter could grow up somewhere welcoming; others showed up to support queer teens and young adults. The emotional tenor of the day , relief, joy, belonging , is exactly why local Pride gatherings still matter. They’re small gestures with big social impact.

What to expect next time , tips and outlook

Expect Pride in Perry to keep evolving: more vendors, more youth programming and stronger neighbourhood partnerships. If you want to make the most of it, arrive early for quieter browsing, bring small bills for makers, and volunteer if you can , organisers always need hands. Events like this are where community is built, one smiling conversation at a time.

It's a small festival with a big heart , and it only seems to be getting bigger.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: