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Washington PA Pride celebrates 3rd annual event at Wild Things Stadium
Washington PA Pride returned for its third year Saturday, this time at a new venue: Washington Wild Things Park.
What wasn’t new was the festival’s mission to host a free, family-friendly event designed to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in the Washington area.
The festival drew a large turnout, and rainbows were everywhere, with some attendees wearing colorful shirts, flags, and face stickers, while others wore a simple pride pin.
More than 51 vendors, including craft vendors, health and wellness vendors, and nonprofits, were on hand throughout the daylong event, and Washington & Jefferson College provided lawn games, including a miniature course, putting greens, cornhole and giant Jenga.
The festival also included drag shows featuring drag performers and entertainers from Pittsburgh Ballroom. a drag queen dunk tank.
“I would say it was a great day. I think it was an upper for a lot of folks, a fun day,” said Kathy Cameron, chair of the Washington County Gay Straight Alliance and a member of the Washington PA Pride committee. “There were some people who came to our Pride who had never been to Pride before and they were not intimidated. People from Pittsburgh and surrounding areas came down and they were blown away by the entertainment and the activities.”
The first Pride festival was held in 2022 on Main Street, and its growth led to the decision to move to a larger location.
“I would say it was a great day. We were building on two other years of energy and success,” said Cameron. “We had outstanding vendors, the attendance was very good, and we had great weather. It turned out to be fabulous.”
Cameron was encouraged by the turnout and the support from the community.
“I think having (Pride festivals) in more rural areas allows folks who won’t go into a city to experience an event where they can be themselves and share with like-minded people and feel comfortable,” said Cameron. “It can be a bit freeing to be in an atmosphere where people aren’t accepting or judgmental.”