C. Oregon Pride: Rainbows fill Drake Park

With the recent ruling by the Supreme Court on gay marriage and gay rights, the Central Oregon Pride Festival had even more reason to celebrate on Saturday.

The ninth annual event took place in Bend’s Drake Park and dozens came out to celebrate, some wearing colorful rainbow costumes.

Organizers told NewsChannel 21 the event gets bigger each year.

There were belly-dancers, music, food and beer and several vendors providing education and resources about and for the LGBT community.

Oregon United for Marriage was also on hand, gathering support to get gay marriage on the ballot for November 2014.

The festival is put on by the Human Dignity Coalition, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

The group’s board president, Megan Stackhouse, said the event is meant to honor and celebrate the LGBT community.

“It’s for people in the community who feel they haven’t had a voice or a place or the ability to express themselves truly,” Stackhouse said. “Today is the day you can celebrate your individuality. You can celebrate who you are and who you love.”