The Ballard Farmers Market marked its third annual Pride Parade and celebration on Sunday morning, drawing a colorful crowd to the heart of downtown Ballard.
The Ballard High School Brass Band kicked off the parade, leading participants through the market as they marched alongside Washington-based vendors. The event, which started at NW Market Street and 22nd Avenue NW, served as both a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a showcase of local small businesses.
The Seattle Farmers Market Association partnered with LGBTQ+ organizations and vendors to host community tables, including a prominent booth from Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, located near the market entrance.
“I noticed that there was a hole in the community—that there weren’t really a lot of Pride celebrations I was aware of,” said Kelly Kube, the market’s operations manager and organizer of the event. “Let’s come down here, let’s celebrate the neighborhood. Let’s celebrate who we all are. And let’s also support these small, local businesses.”
Unlike traditional parades with floats and performers on display, this event encouraged attendees to actively participate in the celebration. The community itself made up the parade, with local vendors as a central focus.
At Bergen Place, the midday drag showcase drew a large crowd. A rainbow chalk-drawn catwalk served as the stage for drag performers, including members of Ballard High School’s LGBTQ Alliance club, who opened with a choreographed performance of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.” Event emcee Sasha Scarlett helped coordinate the showcase, which featured family-friendly music and giveaways, including bracelets and rubber sharks donated by market vendors.
Vendors also contributed prizes for a community raffle held during the showcase, with items ranging from Seattle Pops treats to concert tickets at Climate Pledge Arena.
From handmade crafts and fresh produce to live music and performances, the Pride celebration highlighted the importance of visibility and connection. “The goal is to celebrate Pride and to benefit the vendors in Ballard and the rest of the state,” said Kube.
All participating vendors at the market are based in Washington, adding a local flavor to the event that celebrates both identity and entrepreneurship.
Featured photo courtesy Ballard Farmers Market
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