By JC Medina
The Lacey Commission on Equity announced the city will host its first-ever Pride-themed Night Market on June 13, as part of the city’s broader initiative to foster community engagement and support local businesses.
The announcement was made during the commission’s meeting Monday, April 28 meeting, where Economic Development Coordinator Wesley Nguyen provided updates on the Night Market program.
The event, organized by contractor SWAE Night Market, will include themed decorations, vendor recruitment, and community outreach to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
“I’ve talked to (SWAE) about doing a Pride-themed event to complement June Pride Month,” said Nguyen. “(SWAE) was happy to accommodate, so we selected June 13 to be Pride Market event night.”
The market, held every other Friday between Lacey Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, has drawn significant attendance, with approximately 50,000 visitors in 2024 across 16 events.
Nguyen noted vendors have included food trucks, vintage clothing sellers, tattoo artists, chiropractors and nonprofits.
Attendance continues to grow in 2025, with more than 45 vendors participating in each of the first two markets held on April 4 and April 18.
“The first event had about 6,000 visitors that night,” Nguyen said. “It’s been very well received.”
Safety concerns were also discussed during the meeting.
Commissioner Raul Garza pointed out that hosting a Pride-themed event might present unique risks.
“I would definitely like to emphasize that we should be taking security into consideration,” Garza said. “Obviously, those in this community are being actively targeted by folks these days.”
Nguyen said the the Lacey Police Department is informed about Night Market events and will be notified specifically about the Pride Market.
“So far, we have not had any problems as far as safety during the market event itself,” Nguyen added.
Commission members expressed enthusiasm about promoting the Pride event and engaging local organizations.
Southsoundguy
It isn’t 2014, Obama isn’t president anymore, cut the DEI nonsense.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Report this
Snevets
@southsoundgu Yes it isn't 2014 it's 2025. Update your way of thinking AND please educate yourself on what DEI means.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Report this
ViaLocal
Looking forward to it, and as always, never hating on others because their different. Also not believing the brainwashing/distraction nonsense that allowing LGBTQ+ communities will somehow hurt us as a country.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Report this
Boatyarddog
@ViaLoco, SSguy,
Your both obviously Homophobes!
We Don't acknowledge your Mental Disilliusionment as an excuse...
Your simply WAY behind the Normal society.
And A gross Embarrasment to The Good People of Olympia.
Grow a Spine!
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
Boatyard, how long have you been in support of sexual deviancy and pedophilia? Is this a recent development for you?
Friday, May 2, 2025 Report this