Shoppers are turning their Saturday morning market stroll into a colourful celebration of belonging , Sequim’s fifth annual Pride packed the Civic Center plaza with hundreds of supporters, speakers and families, showing why local festivals and grassroots organising matter in tight‑knit towns.

Essential Takeaways

  • Growing turnout: Attendance has risen from roughly 80 people in year one to hundreds this year, creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere.
  • Community support: Local institutions and leaders , including the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and First Fed’s CEO as grand marshal , publicly backed the event.
  • Youth engagement: The Sequim High GSA has grown from a handful to a full team, now running movie nights, know‑your‑rights sessions and parent outreach.
  • Market vibes: The celebration was woven into the Farmers and Artisans Market with free swag, striped cookies and visible, family‑friendly programming.
  • Volunteer-driven: The festival is volunteer‑run and seeking helpers and new organisers to keep momentum going.

A festival that smells of coffee, cookies and optimism

Hundreds gathered at the Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market on a sunny Saturday, and the plaza felt buzzy in a friendly way , vendors, flags and laughter mixing with the smell of coffee and baked goods. Organisers say the event seemed smoother than ever, evidence that small teams learn fast when they get lots of community goodwill. According to local reporting, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe served as the primary sponsor, underlining a broad civic welcome.

How a one‑man promise turned into a civic tradition

Sequim Pride began as a promise kept by its founder, who recalls early years when many queer people had to leave town to find community. He now performs as Rhoda Gravel at events and says he’s delighted younger organisers are steering the celebration forward. That human throughline , from a handful of participants to hundreds , shows how persistence and heart can change a town’s social fabric.

Leaders and businesses stepping up matters

This year’s parade was marshalled by Curt Queyrouze, the CEO of community bank First Fed, who led the short march along Washington Street after speaking about courage and standing up for trans people. Local elected officials, including a state representative and a county commissioner, also spoke. When business leaders and politicians show up, it signals to families, schools and other institutions that Pride is part of civic life, not just an optional festival.

Young people are the real headline

The Gender and Sexuality Alliance at Sequim High accepted a $500 donation and detailed plans to expand programming: movie nights, rights education and parent discussions. Students told organisers they’ve grown from three members to a broader support team. If you care about sustained impact, backing school GSAs is one of the smartest, most direct ways to help queer youth feel safer and seen.

How to join, volunteer or simply be an ally

The event thrives on volunteers. Organisers welcome new hands and ideas; you can reach out by email or find Sequim Pride on Instagram and Facebook. For market vendors and shoppers, donating a few hours, offering a table or simply wearing a pride flag can make a tangible difference. Practical tip: if you plan to volunteer, arrive early, bring a reusable water bottle and be ready for light lifting and lots of friendly conversation.

It's a small change that makes community feel bigger and kinder.

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