Mountlake Terrace Pride celebration brings joy to all

All were welcome at the First MLT Pride event

Story and photos by David Carlos

The City of Mountlake Terrace hosted its inaugural MLT Pride celebration on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5 to 8pm at Jerry Smith Town Center Plaza, 23204 58th Ave W.

The first-time event was designed to celebrate and highlight the City’s support of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Soulcem

Organizers planned an evening featuring live music, drag performances, community organizations, food trucks, dance fitness, a pet parade and more.

Some of the participants in the Pet Parade

Entertainment began with music by Soulcem, followed by drag performances featuring Maya Mem Sabb, Sin O’Matic, Mik Monet, and Kitzen Zammer.

Dancing

Then, attendees participated in a 30-minute Seattle Dance Fitness class before the Pet Strut and Stroll at 7pm.

Drag performers entertained the crowd

A second drag performance also happened at 7pm.

An adults-only after party at the Getaway Tavern began at 8pm.

Mountlake Terrace Events Coordinator Andrew Appelwick said the event already accomplished one of its primary goals.

“Just the sheer amount of people who have said they actually feel welcome, that they’re excited to be here, that the city’s recognized here, I think, is already a success as it is.

"We have 30 vendors here, nonprofits, and organizations all around.”

Staff at MLT Booth had just as much fun as anyone

Organizers encouraged community members of all backgrounds to attend, emphasizing that all were welcome at Mountlake Terrace’s first Pride celebration.

In summary it was : Simply The Best

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City of Shoreline PRIDE Flag Raised June 1, 2026

On Monday, June 1, 2026 Shoreline City Hall welcomed the public to raise the Progress Pride Flag (2018) iteration by Daniel Quasar. 

More history on Pride Flags here. 

The program opened with an inclusive greeting by councilmembers Chris Roberts and Keith Scully. 

They were joined by emcee Luis Benito  who introduced five local speakers representing various programs, organizations, or initiatives that uplift the safety and joy of Shoreline's LGBTQIA+ community. 

The individuals included Ashley Sullivan (Shoreline Farmers Market), Kevin Hallagan (Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center), Fran Rourke (Diversity Alliance of Puget Sound), Roberto Lopez (No Hate in WA State), and keynote Nina McKenzie. 

Nina led a tribute and raised the flag in honor of her late wife, Sandy Labyris, who founded Everyday Activists in Shoreline.

City Hall is located at 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

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Town & Country Market debuts a limited edition Pride tote bag

Town & Country (T&C) Markets debuted a limited-edition Pride tote bag designed by Seattle artist Esmeralda Vasquez, marking the first artist tote bag release with future totes coming this summer to continue celebrating community, creativity, and the neighborhoods surrounding its markets across the Puget Sound.

Artist Esmeralda Vasquez holding
the tote bag with her design

Available for a limited time only, the “Love for All” tote bag features a pair of heart-winged lovebirds carrying lavender in their beaks. 

The artwork draws from lavender's association with love and devotion, the abundance of lavender throughout the Pacific Northwest, and the flower's historical ties to queer empowerment and identity.

The artist, Esmeralda Vasquez, is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and illustrator based in Seattle. 

Her work is shaped by her experience as a Queer/Latinx artist from Washington's Yakima Valley and often explores symbolism, color theory, identity, and intentional storytelling.

"We're excited to launch this new artist tote collection with a design that celebrates inclusion, creativity, and community," said Ryan Ritter, CEO of Town & Country Markets.

"Partnering with local artists allows us to continue to create meaningful pieces that reflect the people and neighborhoods connected to our markets while supporting organizations doing important work locally."

The new Pride Tote will support Lambert House, the Capitol Hill-based nonprofit and community center supporting LGBTQ+ youth, by donating $1 for every tote produced.

 
The launch showcases the company’s ongoing dedication to collaborating with local artists following its in-store murals and recently launched mugs. It also offers a first look at Town & Country Markets' broader artist tote collection arriving this July. 

The upcoming July limited-edition tote bag release will feature the same market-specific designs showcased on its popular MiiR mug artist collection, inspired by each market location - Bainbridge, Ballard, Lakemont, Mill Creek, Poulsbo, and Shoreline.

 
Together, the tote collection celebrates people, and the distinct character, landmarks, history, and natural beauty of the communities surrounding each Town & Country Market location.

The Pride tote is available now in all Town & Country Market stores while supplies last, priced at $9.99. Images can be found HERE.

To learn more, visit townandcountrymarkets.com or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook to join in the delight of eating.

Town & Country Shoreline 15505 Westminster Way, Shoreline 98133

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Fake Shoreline Police bulletin

A crude parody is circling the internet claiming that the Shoreline Police are holding a "Pride Party".

People who read three words and react are having hissy fits.

Don't be that person.

--Diane Hettrick

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Mountlake Terrace Pride Event June 5, 2026

The City of Mountlake Terrace is excited to announce our first-ever MLT Pride event. Spearheaded by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, this event will be held on Friday June 5, 2026 from 5:00 - 8:00pm in the Jerry Smith Town Center Plaza and adjacent section of 58th Avenue. 23204 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace WA

Join us as we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. All City events are free to attend and all ages are welcome.

MLT Pride will have dance performances, local bands and artists, vendor booths and food trucks for all to enjoy. There will also be a pet parade/stroll around 7:00pm so get those pets dressed up and ready to walk the town. All pets must be on a leash or secured and have bags for pet waste.

The section of 58th Avenue (adjacent to City Hall) will be closed to traffic, allowing for larger crowds. Parking will be available at City Hall and Library parking lot (only available entrance will be from the south on 58th Ave W)

The committee is looking for vendors and organizations to participate in this event. If you are interested in applying, please visit cityofmlt.com/2304 to fill out the application. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

We invite everyone to the Pride Flag Raising at 6:00pm before the City Council meeting on June 4, 2026.

For more information or to sponsor the event contact Andrew Appelwick, Events Coordinator, at 425-744-6287 aappelwick@mltwa.gov.

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Shoreline Schools (Family Friendly) Pride Dessert Potluck June 4, 2026

The Shoreline Schools (Family Friendly) Pride Dessert Potluck - features family activities, student-led performances, community tables, and Pride Book Fair hosted by Third Place Books. 

 
Thursday June 4, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Shoreline Center - 18560 1st Ave NE
(North End of Shoreline Center by tennis courts)

RSVP required - Register here

Hosted by Shoreline Schools and Shoreline PTA Council 6.12

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Pride Flag Raising at Shoreline City Hall June 1, 2026

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Pride Flag Raising

June 1, 2026 at 5:30pm
Shoreline City Hall
17500 Midvale Ave N
Shoreline, WA 98133

Join Shoreline staff as we raise the Pride flag for the month of June. 

There will be a short program to kick off Pride month in Shoreline.

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"Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving honors fathers, principles in June

"We the People means everyone"

Pride, Juneteenth - "Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving honors fathers, principles in June

By Pamela Mieth

In June we honor and celebrate some of the important people in our lives (fathers/father figures) and essential principles we live by (racial equality, human and civil rights).

With Juneteenth (6/19), Father's Day (6/21) and Pride Month all coming up, we can send a message loud and clear: 

• We are in this together. 
• We will stand up for each other. 
• Doing the right thing matters.

One good way to do that is by joining with others at one of four "Social Justice Sundays" sign-wavings in June (7, 14, 21, and 28) organized by Everyday Activists (@everydayshoreline.bsky.social) at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St at the Shoreline-Edmonds line, 1-2pm.

Come to one or all four, bring a sign or just yourself (some will be available to borrow), but make your voice heard. 

Non-perishable food and toiletry items will also be collected for donation to a local organization helping those in need.

(Also, there is still one more sign-waving scheduled in May for this Sunday, 5/31, same time and location.)

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Pride Prom 2026 at Shoreline Teen Center June 5, 2026

Pride Prom 2026

Celebrate pride with Food, Dancing, Crafts, and SO much more!!!

Friday, June 5, 2026

The teen center is open from 2:30pm to 9pm. 

Event activities 4pm to 8pm. 

Free event for lgbtq+ youth and allies in 6th to 12th grade!

At The Shoreline Teen Center at 16554 Fremont Ave N
Shorelinewa.gov/teens
Questions? Mhale@shorelinewa.gov

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Pride Day at Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday, June 28, 2025

Saturday is your last chance to visit the Pride Lounge at the market!


 Play Queer Icon Bingo — win a FREE tote bag


 Grab free resources


Connect with @qlawfoundation & @shorelinehistoricalmuseum , our awesome community partners


Or just come by and say hi!

Let’s wrap up Pride Month with joy, connection, and celebration.


It’s the final market of June — don’t miss it! See you Saturday Shoreline, and Shoreline-area friends!

Thank you to @shorelinewagov for asking the SFM to host Pride for the 3rd year in a row

  This is YOUR market!

The Market is held at the 192nd Park n Ride on Aurora from 10am to 2pm every Saturday.

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Queer Senior Social June 20, 2025 at the Senior Activity Center

Queer Senior Social

Attention queer seniors of all shades! This group is by queer people and for queer people, so bring a friend and have fun! 

Get together with your LGBTQIA+ peers and make this program whatever the group wants it to be, whether that's playing games and talking about books, or just hanging out with new friends and building community together. 

NOTE: We're using the term 'queer' as a loose umbrella term for the broader LGBTQIA+ community. All are welcome.

• Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
• Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
• Location: Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center 18560 1st Ave NE Bldg. G
• Cost: Free
• Registration: Registration not required, but it IS helpful - call the Center at 206-365-1536

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New LGBTQIA+ specific programs at the Senior Activity Center

Our Senior Center is PROUD to announce new LGBTQIA+ specific programs! 

In the coming months we will be implementing activities, groups, and classes designed to empower, support, and cultivate community within our LGBTQIA+ population of older adults. 

At the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Date: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 10:30am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE
Location: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155

• July 11 LGBTQIA+ Tea Time Social - Get together with Program Coordinator and fellow LGBTQIA+ community member Kevin Hallagan to socialize with complimentary tea and assorted pastries. Decaf, caffeinated, and herbal options will be available.
• July 25 LGBTQIA+ Literary Salon - Join Program Coordinator Kevin Hallagan to discuss any LGBTQIA+ you've read. James Baldwin, Virginia Woolf, Roxane Gay, books, poetry, essays, etc. A curated booklist is available at the senior center on request.
• Aug 8 LGBTQIA+ Tea Time Social - Get together with Program Coordinator and fellow LGBTQIA+ community member Kevin Hallagan to socialize with complimentary tea and assorted pastries. Decaf, caffeinated, and herbal options will be available.
• Aug 22 LGBTQIA+ Board Game Social - Get together for some friendly competition! The group will decide together on what to play that day.

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SAGE group celebrate Pride at Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday June 15, 2024

Celebrate Pride at the Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday, June 15th!

Shoreline Teen Program’s SAGE will be there! 

So come drop by and say hello!

 

Shoreline Farmers Market Pride Celebration

June 15, 2024

10:00am to 2:00pm

Shoreline Park & Ride, 18821 Aurora Ave N (192nd St N & Aurora Ave N)

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Shoreline Farmers Market to host Second Annual Shoreline Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024

The Shoreline Farmers Market (SFM) is thrilled to announce the second annual Celebrate Pride in Shoreline event on Saturday, June 15th. This vibrant and inclusive event in the heart of Shoreline will be a joyous acknowledgment of love, diversity, and equality.

Featuring several local artists, this year’s Pride celebration builds on the success of the inaugural 2023 event. Emmy-nominated entertainer, writer and activist Sasha Scarlett will MC the day's activities. 

Assigned Gay at Band (AGAB), an all-Queer marching band, will perform two sets. Cody James Megargee, a Shoreline-based queer, trans and disabled visual artist, will showcase his commissioned Celebrate Pride poster art, which will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to Lambert House. Alethea Myers of the Face Paintery will offer colorful designs for attendees.

Mary Hale, City of Shoreline Recreation Specialist (left), Amanda Zollner, City of Shoreline Recreation Supervisor (right) sharing resources at the 2023 Pride at the Market event.

This year, the SFM has formed a dedicated steering committee to shape the Pride celebration, ensuring it embodies a spirit of inclusiveness. Composed of community members, market vendors, and local leaders, the committee has worked tirelessly to create an event that everyone can enjoy.

“As an openly gay resident and Shoreline business owner, I’m proud to be a board member of the Shoreline Farmers Market and especially to be involved in the Pride event,” said Zephyr Paquette, steering committee member and the owner of Le Petit Paquet in Richmond Beach. 

“The Market brings together an array of diversity, includes all, and is working very specifically on fighting food insecurity.”

Attendees are invited to visit their favorite farmers and makers, connect with their neighbors, and enjoy the Pride lounge. Key resources from local organizations will be on hand for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their loved ones, and the community at large.

“I was fortunate to participate in the first Shoreline Farmers Market Pride in 2023. Seeing all the shoppers sporting their rainbows and flags was wonderful.” said owner of Alluria Candles and Pride Steering Committee member Sarah Fletcher. 

“As an out and proud vendor, I appreciate the welcoming environment that the market offers its queer vendors. Wishing everyone a very happy Pride in 2024, remember to shop local and support your queer creators.”

Shoreline Farmers Market Director Trinitee King (left), with City of Shoreline Public Art Coordinator Mylinda Sneed (right) at the 2023 Pride at the Market event. 

A grassroots 501(c)(3) organization, the Shoreline Farmers Market has partnered with the City of Shoreline and the Port of Seattle to present this event.

"While we have come a long way since Stonewall, we know there is still work to do," stated Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts. "That is why celebrating Pride is so important. No one should be fearful of being who they are. I am proud to live in a community that celebrates its diversity, and I am proud to be an LGBTQ+ ally."

The Pride Celebration at the Shoreline Farmers Market will take place on June 15, 2024, from 10am to 2pm. The market is conveniently located at 18821 Aurora Avenue N, across from the YMCA and Sky Nursery. Walk, bike, bus, or drive and park. This event is wheelchair accessible. 

Open to the public. Free admission. All are encouraged to attend and show their support for equality and inclusivity. Festive dress encouraged.

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Shoreline Teen Center presents our annual Pride Prom dance and celebration!

Come join us at the Shoreline Teen Center June 7, 2024 for our annual Pride Prom!

Pride Prom is a place to celebrate each other, ourselves, our originality, our community.

All middle and high school-aged LGBTQ+ youth and allies are welcome.

What to expect: friendly faces. music, food (panda express), crafts, video games, free books, lgbtq+ resources, a safe and inclusive environment. (ALL FREE)

Register here

• Where: Richmond Highlands Recreation Center 16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
• When: 4:00pm - 9:00pm
• Cost: 100% free, no cost for entry, food, activities, etc.

Hosted by: The City of Shoreline, The Shoreline Teen Center, S.A.G.E, and the Youth Outreach Leadership program, with KCLS and YouthCare as guests.

Email mhale@shorelinewa.gov with any questions or concerns.

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Pride Flag raising at Shoreline City Hall Friday May 31, 2024

Hey Shoreline residents! Join us to celebrate raising the pride flag at city hall. This annual event is coordinated by the city’s Equity and Social Justice Program Coordinator. 

The flag raising will be at 3:30pm on May 31, 2024. Refreshments provided.

 

Come and share your pride with us.

 

Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N Shoreline WA 98133

 

Questions? mhale@shorelinewa.gov

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Shoreline Farmers Market opens June 1, 2024 at 192nd Park n Ride lot

Shoreline Farmers Market
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline Farmers Market (SFM) has been a cornerstone of our community for twelve seasons, connecting neighbors, supporting local farmers and businesses, and providing access to fresh, nutritious food for all.

The Shoreline Farmers Market, located at the BikeLink Park & Ride (corner of 192nd & Aurora, across from Sky Nursery) begins Season 13 on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10am - 2pm and continues every Saturday through October 5th.

We are Shoreline's community hub for farm fresh & local foods, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more.

We look forward to welcoming back familiar friends of the market, as well as getting to know new neighbors! ALL are welcome (including our leashed & well mannered, four legged family members), this is your market

SFM has also partnered with local leaders for their second annual PRIDE celebration on June 15th.

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Rainbow PRIDE in Shoreline

Art work by Amanda Drewniak
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Spreading rainbows across the City during Pride month is now a Shoreline tradition. 

If you knit or crochet, join us! 

This year, we’ll be wrapping trees at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden as well. 

Use your needles or hooks to show that Shoreline is a colorful and welcoming place! 

For more information, contact Constance Perenyi

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Op-Ed: Pride decorations stolen from Center for Human Services (CHS)

By Beretta Gomillion, Executive Director CHS

Earlier this month, CHS staff and supporters decorated the trees and reader-board in front of our building at 17018 15th Ave NE in Shoreline as part of our celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month. 

Sometime during the weekend of June 16, 2023 person or persons unknown stole all of the decorations. 

Some of the Pride decorations at CHS. All were stolen.
Photo courtesy CHS

While we were certainly disappointed that anyone would do such as thing, we want it to be known that we remain open and affirming to all people and are proud to celebrate Pride with our LGBTQ+ staff, clients, and community.

A disproportionate number of LGBTQ+ people experience mental health struggles. Young people across King County and the country are facing increasingly difficult mental health challenges, and young people who are in underserved communities, including LGBTQ+ people, face even greater challenges. 

According to King County’s Healthy Youth Survey, LGBTQ+ young people have an urgent need for mental health supports, with higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts, and depression. 

Personal, family, and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and personal safety of LGBT+ individuals. 

Against the backdrop of societal harassment, discrimination, and violence, the fact that so many LGBTQ+ persons survive and thrive is a testament to their resilience.

The decorations were only up for a little over a week, but it was worth our effort. During that time, a young man with Down’s Syndrome saw our pride flags and other decorations and came in to talk to someone. 

He stated that he feels so alone and doesn’t have the support of his family. He said that seeing our decorations made him feel safe and seen and that was something he was not accustomed to in his life. 

Making at least one person feel supported and safe was worth the anguish the theft caused.

CHS affirms our obligation to promote the dignity of all people and dedicate ourselves to be a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

-Beratta Gomillion is the Executive Director of the Center for Human Services, located in Shoreline

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Shoreline Farmers Market to host First Annual Shoreline Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 10, 2023

The Shoreline Farmers Market is thrilled to announce that it is hosting its first annual Celebrate Pride event on Saturday, June 10, 2023. 

This vibrant and inclusive event in the heart of Shoreline will be a joyous acknowledgement of love, diversity, and equality.

With performances by the Burn Out Brass Band (an all-Queer marching band), the atmosphere will be alive with the spirit of unity and acceptance as individuals from all walks of life come together to honor and promote LGBTQIA+ rights.

“The Market strives to be a safe, welcoming place to gather for access to local food, small businesses and area resources,” said Mary Crandell, SFM Board President.

“We are excited for this opportunity to celebrate Shoreline’s LGBTQIA+ community, friends and family.”

Attendees are invited to visit favorite farmers and makers, connect with their neighbors, and to enjoy the Pride lounge and selfie station. Key resources from local organizations will be on hand for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their loved ones, and the community at large.

A grassroots 501(c)(3) organization, the Shoreline Farmers Market has partnered with the City of Shoreline and the Port of Seattle to present this inaugural event.

"We are happy to be a co-sponsor of Shoreline's first annual Pride celebration at Shoreline Farmers Market," said Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully.

"We want everyone to know that Shoreline is a welcoming and inclusive place and invite people to join us in celebrating our amazing and diverse community."

The Pride Celebration at the Shoreline Farmers Market will take place on June 10, 2023, from 10am to 2pm. The market is conveniently located at 18821 Aurora Avenue N, across from the YMCA and Sky Nursery. Walk, bike, bus, or drive and park. This event is wheelchair accessible.

Open to the public. Free admission. All are encouraged to attend and show their support for equality and inclusivity.

About Shoreline Farmers Market

Now in its 12th season, the Shoreline Farmers Market is a vibrant area gathering place that offers a wide selection of fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious food. 

It provides an opportunity for local vendors, artists, and farmers to showcase their talents and products. 

The market is committed to fostering a sense of community, supporting local businesses, and promoting healthy, sustainable living. 

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the SFM provides several food access and educational programs including SNAP Market Match, WIC, Senior Food Delivery, and the Power of Produce kids club. The SFM hosts regular market days each Saturday from June through October.

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