Oregon statewide prides

Portland may have the largest population of queers and the biggest Pride celebration in the state, you don’t have to be a city dweller to have Pride. Some places in Oregon may be more LGBT-friendly than others but many areas, be they college towns, rural areas or growing communities are excited to get the chance to show off their local Gay Pride.

Here are some of the celebrations happening all across Oregon. If I have missed any let me know!

Corvallis – This weekend!

The home of Oregon State University and their Beavers host a whole weekend of Pride starting tonight with the 8th Annual Stonewall Dance at the Adair Village Clubhouse (6097 NE Ebony Lane). With a no host bar and buffet the $25 dollar cover is totally worth it.

The Corvallis Pride Parade starts tomorrow at 11am down Jefferson street in Corvallis and will be followed by a full day of musicians, story telling, dancing, face painting, childrens activities, vendors, a non-profit expo and a host of nighttime activities.

Bend – This weekend!

Home of the infamous pregnant man, Thomas Beatie, Bend Pride has actually been in full swing since June 6th, but climaxes this weekend with a Pride Prom, Pride Ride, and festival.

Southern Oregon – July 9th

Rock Solid and Proud is what Southern Oregon is calling its 6th annual Pride celebration in Phoenix, Oregon (where is that even?). The celebration at Roscoe’s BBQ (117 S Main St) from 7pm to 12am features the Rogue, Suspects, Rogue Valley Gay Men’s Chorus, comedienne Kris Vandehay, and Lisa Everly and DJ-Z.

Vancouver, WA – July 11th

My hometown features a low-key Saturday in the Park at Esther Short Park downtown. It is usually a nice, family friendly spot with music that perfect for a picnic.

Eugene – August 8th

The Eugene/Springfield Pride celebration is probably the second biggest in the state and a nice spot to savor the end of Pride season. The 2009 entertainment schedule is as follows:

• 12:00 Guests and Speaches
• 12:30 Mr JoyBoy
• 1:15 Spin Cycle Squares
• 1:30 Lisa Mann
• 2:30 Raffle Drawing and Announcements
• 2:45 Dance Party Dancers
• 3:00 Richard Mills
• 3:45 Raffle Drawing and Announcements
• 4:00 Jessica Halem
• 4:45 Raffle Drawing and Announcements
• 5:00 Imperial Sovereign Court of the Emerald Empire
• 6:30 Raffle Drawing and Announcements, Closing

There’s still plenty of time to register, participate, and check out the vendors and maps.

Salem – August 15th

The last of the local season takes place in Oregon’s own seat of government. Salem’s Capitol Pride will inhabit the Riverfront Park (116 Marion Street NE) all day Saturday Aug 15th. Not a lot of news on the entertainment of the day but there’s bound to be lots of political discussion among the revelry.