Leavenworth Adventure Park celebrates Pride with events honoring town's LGBTQ+ history

LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Adventure Park, home to Washington State's first Alpine Coaster, will host two Pride events this June to celebrate the town's LGBTQ+ history and community.

The events, scheduled for June 14 and 15, will take place at the park located at the entrance to the Tumwater Canyon, just a short walk from Leavenworth's downtown. The park's general manager and co-founder, John Sutherland, said the events are a fitting tribute to the town's founders, life partners Ted Price and Bob Rodgers, who were responsible for the Bavarian theme that now characterizes Leavenworth's architecture.

On Friday, June 14, Wenatchee's Matthew Pippin, performing as Melba Jean, will host a free, all-ages Drag Bingo event from 8 to 10 p.m. The park will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for coaster rides, with prizes and drink specials available.

Saturday, June 15, will feature "Ride for Pride," a two-hour event from 6-8 p.m. that includes unlimited rides, free appetizers, and beer and wine specials for $35 per person. Following the rides, Ludwig's Loft on the 3rd floor will be transformed into a dance studio from 8-10 p.m. The event is open to all ages, and families with children are encouraged to attend.

All ticket sales from the "Ride for Pride" event will be donated to the Wenatchee Valley YWCA Rainbow Camp, a 3-day, 2-night leadership experience camp for LGBTQ and allied youth in high school and college.

The Leavenworth Adventure Park has created a special Pride logo for the event, which is featured on t-shirts available for purchase at the park. Other businesses in Leavenworth, such as Icicle Village Resort, Bavarian Walking Tours, Leavenworth Art Haus, and Bushel and Bee Taproom, will also be hosting special events throughout Pride Month. A full calendar of Pride Month events can be found at Leavenworth.org.