Philomath City Park will transform into a celebration of diversity and inclusion this Saturday as the fourth annual Philomath Pride festival takes place from noon-4 p.m.
Organizer Rose Bricker said the event has grown significantly since its inception in 2022, with increased community participation and organizational support each year.
“It’s gotten bigger,” Bricker said. “Every year, organizations have been coming out to help us and showing up for us. The community members are continually donating the stuff that we ask for and even things that we hadn’t thought of. We’ve got a lot of community support.”
The festival kicks off with activities at noon followed by the second annual Pride Parade at 1 p.m. within the park grounds. Entertainment continues with an open mic session from 1:30-3 p.m., hosted by local drag queen Carmela, and concludes with a trivia competition from 3-4 p.m., led by drag king Richard Rider.
Multiple local organizations will participate in the family-friendly event. Jackson Street Youth Services will provide yard games, while Sick Town Roller Derby will demonstrate skating techniques at the skate park.
The Benton County Historical Society will present its Oregon Queer Lumineers Walk.
“It’s something that they started last year and it’s expanded — they have a display going on at the Corvallis Museum right now — but basically it’s just recognizing important queer and trans folks in the Oregon community,” Bricker said.
Health and wellness services will be available through SamCare Mobile Medicine. Benton County Mental Health will support a designated low-sensory area called the “zen den” for attendees who need a quieter space.
The festival includes a food drive supporting Philomath Community Services. Attendees can receive raffle tickets by bringing canned goods or dollar donations with the prize being a basket with items donated by PCS and Dirt Road Brewing, along with a Philomath Pride shirt.
Free pizza will be provided through a Benton County Health Department sponsorship from Mud Oven Pizza, and Maxtivity will offer craft activities for participants.
Philomath Public Works will attend with their vacuum truck and Philomath Fire and Rescue also plans to participate.
The festivities continue downtown after 4 p.m. with an after-party at the Dirt Road Block Party where Philomath Pride will maintain a booth.
Organizers recommend parking at Philomath High School and taking the path behind the baseball field and forestry department to reach the park.
Bricker said volunteers are still needed for the Pink Flamingo Brigade — a peacekeeping team, which assists with safety, traffic control, water distribution, etc. The organization has a volunteer sign-up form online.
Also, open mic slots remain available for the day of registration during the 1:30-3 p.m. performance window.
For anyone with questions, send an email to philomathpride@gmail.com.
