Gay Pride events in Vancouver, WA date back to the summer of 1994 when the first Saturday in the Park event was held. The history of the gay community in Clark County dates back further than that with the start of the Raintree Empire in the 1970’s. This would become the Gay Court of Vancouver, WA.
The Raintree Empire is currently led by the reigning Emporer Clyde S. Dale. For the next year, the organization will focus on raising money for charities like Martha’s Pantry, the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship and the Pride of the Rose Scholarship. After the Saturday event for Pride, the group will also elect new Gay Vancouver Title Holders.
This week the community of Southwest Washington comes together to celebrate pride via a series of events. While Saturday in the Park has been renamed Vancouver USA LGBTQ Pride, the history and traditions remain the same. As always the showcase of pride this week will take place on Saturday with a family friendly gathering at Esther Short Park.
Community members are invited to attend events focused on both the traditions and future of the gay community in Vancouver, WA. Explore the list of events below to find out more about the events happening this week.
Thursday, July 12th
Get Campy With KC
Photo credit: Micah Dyson
This fun-filled evening is for a great cause! Donnell’s Bar is welcoming host Micah Dyson for a supply drive to benefit Camp KC. Guests are welcome to sing, share a few rainbow themed drinks and bring supplies to drop off for the kids going to camp for the 2018 season. This camp benefits families served through Cascade AIDS Project. They are collecting gently used clothing, new socks, new underwear, art supplies and more for the camp.
Location: Donnell’s Bar at 813 Main St, Vancouver, WA
Time: 6-9 PM
Meet and Greet PRIDE Event
The Cellar 55 will be hosting an informal event to meet those who are organizing the pride event on Saturday. They will be providing cheese, crackers and cupcakes for the event.
Location: Cellar 55 at 1812 Washington St, Vancouver, WA
Time: 7-9 PM
Saturday, July 14th
Lyles Miles Charity Walk/Run
This annual family-friendly event raises money for local AIDS service organizations. The fee is $15 and the race is the kick-off for a full day of pride related activities at Esther Short Park.
Location: Esther Short Park at 301 N 8th St, Vancouver, WA
Time: 8:30- 9:30 AM
Vancouver USA LGBTQ Pride
Local businesses, organizations and groups gather in Esther Short Park to celebrate everything Pride. There will be booths open for vendors, entertainment and refreshments. This is a family-friendly event. The vendors include pride related clothing items, products from local small businesses and informational booths.
Location: Esther Short Park at 301 N 8th St, Vancouver, WA
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Dyke March
Sponsored by L Connection, this march takes place shortly after the fun run. The march leaves from Esther Short Park to continue through downtown Vancouver.
Location: Esther Short Park at 301 N 8th St, Vancouver, WA
Time: 10:45 AM step off
Gay Vancouver Pageant
Photo credit: Clyde S. Dale
The Raintree Empire will host a pageant to elect the next Mr, Ms and Miss Gay Vancouver. The pageant will benefit the charities of Reign 44. Tickets for this event can be purchased the Pride event earlier in the day or at the door. Tickets pre-sale are $12 and door $15. This years’ theme is “A Night At the Asylum.”
Location: 606 Main St, Vancouver, WA
Time: Doors 6 PM Show 7 PM
Sunday, July 15th
Photo credit: Renegades Facebook
Rendezvous at Renegades
Pride weekend ends with a drag show benefiting Martha’s Pantry. There is a full line up of entertainers working to support the local food bank. This includes both drag queens and kings. This is a 21 and over event.
Location: Renegades Bar at 115 E 7th St, Vancouver, WA
Time: Dinner at 4 PM Show 5 PM
