'Really amazing': Fifth annual Stanwood-Camano Pride shines through the clouds

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Alexus Montoya performs Saturday, June 6, during Stanwood-Camano Pride at Freedom Park on Camano Island.

Freedom Park was an explosion of color Saturday, June 6, for the fifth annual Stanwood-Camano Pride.

Dozens of tents and booths were arranged in rows on the grass, leading up to a flag-lined stage and open area for drag performances.

The event ran from 12-4 p.m., with performances kicking off after a small parade up to the bell at the top of the park's hill.

After ringing the bell, the parade meandered through the aisles of booths and was encouraged to stop and see what vendors had to offer.

Alexus Montoya and Gina Touché, drag queens both returning to the Stanwood-Camano Pride event, announced performers.

This year was Montoya's last year participating in pride events, making the day much more meaningful for her.

After her performance, which involved many children leaving colorful handprints on her dress, Montoya addressed the crowd, eyes brimming with tears.

"I can't explain how special that was," Montoya said.

She made it clear that while her involvement in Pride may be coming to an end, her involvement in the community will continue.

Despite the clouds and drizzle, attendees were lit up with excitement for the interactive songs and dances, during which performers ran through the crowd, blowing kisses and smiling.

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Pam Jobb N. Moore performs Saturday, June 6, during Stanwood-Camano Pride at Freedom Park on Camano Island.

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Gina Touché performs Saturday, June 6, during Stanwood-Camano Pride at Freedom Park on Camano Island.

Stanwood-Camano Pride started in 2022 when Camano Islander Michelle Huntley wanted to create a space for both the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together in one place.

With the funds raised from the first year, Huntley was able to create a local PFLAG chapter. She serves as the president.

"It's just being able to have a space where everybody can show up and not be afraid," Huntley said. "Having safe spaces like Pride or PFLAG gives them a place to be and people to talk to."

Huntley said the number of vendors has significantly grown over the years. This year, there were about 60.

Grandma Foxy's Jewelry, run by Bev Meadows-Lein, had a tent set up Saturday displaying handmade fused glass pieces, including bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

Meadows-Lein, who previously worked as a paraeducator in the area, said she likes seeing familiar faces at Stanwood-Camano Pride.

She said the joy of seeing people she knows in the community keeps her coming back every year.

Alison and Mark Joy, a local couple, could be seen sporting full rainbow tie-dye outfits and blowing bubbles as they perused the vendors.

"Small towns need more support," Alison Joy said, expressing the importance of showing up in solidarity at events such as pride parades.

Touché echoed that sentiment.

"Visibility is one of the most important things, period," Touché said. "You are changing people's lives by simply standing on this grass today. We're always only here to lift you up in love."

Touché has been involved in local pride events in the Pacific Northwest for 15 years. They said that performances and events help build a community around drag, apart from just the well-known nightlife scene.

"I love these local, smaller prides," Touché said, emphasizing the tangible impact an event can make in a smaller community in comparison to an event such as Seattle Pride.

Between performances, Montoya also recognized the significance of Stanwood-Camano Pride coming back year after year.

"That's really amazing, especially for a little town," Montoya said.

Other performers included Quintessa Touché, Dill Pinkell, Pam Job N. Moore, Mahogany Knight St. James and Sierra Knight.

"People want this," Moore said.

This was their second year performing at the Stanwood-Camano Pride, and they recognized that some smaller pride festivals have died out due to the opposition from rural communities, making the continued existence of this event that much more special.

"The queer people exist year-round, and the queer people exist everywhere," Moore said. "We want to have these in-person spaces."

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