Are you a bit bored with Seattle? Wanna get Pride-y in new surroundings?
Why not take a short road trip down to the gorgeous Columbia Gorge area in Hood River, Oregon?!?!? They’re getting geared up to celebrate their LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations the weekend of June 7th and 8th with a whole slew of events in a spectacular setting! The Hood River Hotel is very gay friendly and kindly sent us this press release to promote their offerings.
Check it out:
CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH AT THE HOOD RIVER HOTEL, KICKING OFF WITH THE HOOD RIVER PRIDE CELEBRATION JUNE 7 AND 8 IN DOWNTOWN HOOD RIVER
From a Pride Parade to Drag Bingo and More, Local Partners in Pride Host Inclusive and Welcoming Events for All
(HOOD RIVER, Ore.) — June is a time of celebration and unity for the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide, and Hood River is eager to showcase its spirit of inclusivity. The Hood River Hotel becomes a focal point for Pride Month festivities, beginning with the much-anticipated Hood River Pride Celebration on June 7 and 8 in the heart of downtown Hood River.
Organized by the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, in collaboration with the Hood River Hotel, The Next Door, and Visit Hood River, this event marks a celebration of community diversity.
“We are thrilled to bring back the Hood River Pride Celebration, a key event that highlights the strength and diversity of our community,” says James Pearrow, general manager for the Hood River Hotel. “We encourage everyone from near and far to make a weekend of it at the Hood River Hotel and support our LGBTQIA+ community in a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment.”
This year’s celebration will unfold over two days, with pride-themed activities across downtown Hood River:
FRIDAY, JUNE 7:
5-8 p.m. – Visit Hood River First Friday Summer Series Pride Celebration: Held on Oak St. in downtown Hood River, the family-friendly event is free, open to the public, and will include a parade that begins at 6 p.m. and local vendors. For more information and parade registration, visit the Visit Hood River website, https://visithoodriver.com/event/hood-river-pride-celebration/.
7-9 p.m. – DIVA Drag Bingo in the Hood River Hotel Emerald Room: Hosted by Aspen Meadows and Puanani Posse, this is Hood River’s Summer Pride 2024 kickoff event! Tickets are $10 for five games. Additional games can be purchased for $5 (for a pack of 5) at the door before the start of the event. This isn’t your Grandma’s bingo, so be ready for anything, including performances throughout the event. This is a 21+ ticketed event.
Tickets are available on Justin Buckles Productions ticketing website, www.merctickets.com/events/149476897/drag-bingo-hood-river-pride-edition.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8:
Doors open at 11 a.m., show starts at Noon – Diva Drag Brunch: Featuring an ALL-STAR cast and the best performers that Portland (and beyond) has to offer. Join the Hood River Hotel for the biggest and best Drag Brunch in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring drag, burlesque, acrobatics, live singing, and more! This is a 21+ ticketed event.
Tickets are available on Justin Buckles Productions ticketing website, www.merctickets.com/events/149476923/diva-drag-brunch-hood-river-pride-edition.
“Living authentically requires bravery and self-awareness. At the Hood River Hotel, we celebrate and support everyone for who they are,” says Pearrow. “As an LGBTQIA+ operated and friendly establishment and PROUD Certified through Booking.com, the Hood River Hotel supports and allies with its LGBTQIA+ guests and community. promoting allyship and furthering the well-being of our LGBTQIA+ guests and community is fundamental to our ethos.”
The Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance continues to be a beacon for those advocating for a community where LGBTQIA+ individuals are embraced as integral and equal members. Their relentless pursuit of respect, equity, and justice helps cultivate a safe and culturally rich community for all LGBTQIA+ people and their allies.
For more information on the Hood River Pride Celebration, ways to contribute, and Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, visit the organization’s website https://www.instagram.com/cgpridealliance/.
About the Hood River Hotel:
Built in 1888, the Hood River Hotel is a historic landmark that’s been lovingly restored to accommodate today’s busy travelers. Located in Hood River, Oregon, guests can unwind after a long day of travel or explore the local trails with a nap in the luxurious European linens, catch up on emails with complimentary Wi-Fi, relax in the dry sauna, or sip a glass of wine next to the fireplace. As Hood River’s only hotel located downtown, guests are a short walk from award-winning restaurants and breweries, galleries, wine tasting, and nightlife. The entire property has accommodations for up to 123 overnight guests in 41 rooms and suites and a capacity for up to 200 people for corporate meetings and events. Full buy-outs are possible, including the use of the 2,500-square-foot Emerald Room event space. A stay at the Hood River Hotel isn’t complete without a Nordic-inspired brunch at Broder Øst, located adjacent to the hotel lobby. The Hood River Hotel is PROUD Certified through Booking.com and supports and allies with its LGBTQIA+ guests and community. For more information or to book your next visit or event at the Hood River Hotel, visit www.hoodriverhotel.com.
About the Author: Michael Strangeways
