Pride Month in Seattle began today with Pride in the Park, an afternoon gathering that drew a steady crowd to Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Plenty of people turned up over the course of the day to take part in the celebration.
More than half a dozen performers were lined up for the event, which organizers described as having something for everyone who came through the park. The lineup was built to appeal to a wide range of visitors across the afternoon.
The celebration included vendors and beer gardens, along with dedicated spaces for children and teenagers. A series of musical performances ran throughout the day, giving the gathering a festival-like atmosphere.
Now in its 16th year, Pride in the Park has grown and changed over time. Organizers said that while the event has evolved, it has also stayed close to its original roots, keeping the spirit that shaped its early editions.
For longtime participants, the location carries particular meaning. Organizers recalled that the Pride parade once traveled along Broadway and ended at Volunteer Park, which made the site the traditional spot for the post-parade celebration.
That history, they said, gives the gathering an organic feel that harkens back to its earlier days, around the turn of the century. The connection to the park has helped the event keep a sense of continuity even as it has expanded.
Organizers also emphasized that all of the performers were local artists from around the Seattle and Puget Sound area. The afternoon brought some sunshine to the park, adding to the turnout for the day's festivities.