La Conner celebrates Pride Month

By Luisa Loi

La Conner Community News

Rain or shine, the La Conner Thrives Association is ensuring this June will include at least three days with a 100% chance of rainbows.

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, anyone is welcome to learn, connect and celebrate Pride Month, said Kali Sebastian, the recently appointed chair of Thrive’s Pride committee.

“Pride isn’t just about remembering where we’ve been, it’s about building the kind of community we want to live in everyday,” she said. “Pride may happen in June, but belonging is something that we build all year round.”

Sebastian said she particularly looks forward to this year’s new addition, the La Conner Pride Picnic, hosted in collaboration with Hedlin’s Family Farm. From noon to 3 p.m. on June 27, families and friends can bring a picnic basket or grab produce from the farm stand and enjoy a meal amid bucolic scenery.

The event is free to attend and is open to people of all ages, something Sebastian said is important as queer youths also deserve to have fun, mingle and be celebrated.

Following last year’s successful debut, Gina Touché, Lady Charlamaine, Jennavesia Touché, Quintessa Touché and other friends from the Skagit Drag Series will entertain the crowd at the second annual Drag Show, held at the Swinomish Yacht Club from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 20.

Tickets cost $25 and include a drink, snacks, music, games and raffles hosted by Gina and his “divalicious” drag family, according to La Conner Thrives.

Starting at 6 p.m. on June 26, Pride sets sail, with San Juan Cruises taking guests on a three-hour cruise from Channel Lodge to Deception Pass as they enjoy bites and drinks.

For more information or to RSVP and buy tickets, visit laconnerthrives.org/events.

Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.