SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Pride organizers are enhancing security measures for Saturday’s parade at Riverfront Park as hundreds of attendees are expected amid concerns about other planned protests in the area.
Pride President Jacob Schwartz said safety has become a primary focus for organizers as they prepare for the annual celebration. The event, which features participation from more than 50 local organizations, will include multiple layers of security and communication protocols.
“Our volunteers all get a small amount of safety training as well,” Schwartz said. “All of the stages have direct lines of communication to the command center and back and forth. So, if there’s any sort of emergency announcements that we need to make, they’re immediately sent to the stages.”
The organization has partnered with several groups to maintain a peaceful atmosphere throughout the event. The Peace and Justice Action League will provide de-escalation support throughout the park, while volunteer “angels” will help block out noise from any protesters and maintain order.
“They help kind of block out some noise and protesters, and they’ll be around throughout the day as well to help keep peace and things like that,” Schwartz explained.
For first-time attendees like Violet Cleary, the safety concerns add an element of nervousness to what is meant to be a celebratory occasion.
“This will be my first pride event, so I’m a little nervous,” Cleary said.
Organizers are advising attendees on how to handle potential confrontations during the event.
“If there is some protest or something else going on, don’t engage,” Schwartz said.
Phone numbers for Pride’s command center will be posted throughout the park, providing attendees with a direct line to report any problems or concerns during Saturday’s festivities.
Despite the heightened security measures, organizers want to ensure the focus remains on celebration and community. Schwartz said the event is designed to showcase joy and pride within both the LGBTQIA+ community and Spokane as a whole.
“We want you to be here, and to show off, just queer joy throughout Spokane and pride, both within the LGBTQIA+ community and also in Spokane itself,” Schwartz said.
For more information about Saturday’s Pride celebration, visit www.spokanepride.org.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.