By Marie Kennedy The Mountain Times
The mountain community showed up in full color for Pride 2025 at Coffee House 26, turning a sunny day on the mountain into a vibrant celebration of community, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ voices. Hosted by coffeehouse owner Amber Ford, the event brought together local residents, artists, and allies for a day of music, connection, and fundraising.
Throughout the day, live entertainment filled the main floor, with performances by local favorite Sara Lee Houston, and entertainers working with Rural Queer Open Mic out of Wallowa County. In preparation for the raffle, donated boxes lined the walls, filled with all kinds of goodies – everything from wine to margarita kits, wooden flower boxes, and colorful clothing.
Upstairs, a pop-up market featured handmade balms and potions, hand roasted coffee, and a group based in Oregon City offering resources and services for LGBTQ+ individuals. A massage chair station gave guests the chance to relax and unwind.
Outside the café local artisan and photographer, Cari Gesch, the Wy’East Woman, hosted a table, offering, among other things, tinctures, herbal teas and landscape photography. Crocheted items by Aaron Gesch were also on display, including crocheted trivets, coasters, and decorative pieces.
Pride 2025 wasn’t just about celebration — it was also about impact. Thanks to generous donations from local businesses and community members, the event raised close to $1,000 for The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention and crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth. Ford noted that this year’s total surpassed donations from previous years.
Ford said, “The biggest thanks go out to Cindi Sempert and Nicole Guyer! Without your friendship, love, support, and guidance, I would not have been able to pull this off.” She continued, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped and participated. It was truly a community effort. We didn’t just show our PRIDE as allies and friends – we raised the bar.”
Local businesses and individuals that rallied around the event, donating goods, time and support included: The Whistle Stop Bar and Grill; Welches Mountain Building Supply; BDK Board Shop; Mt. Hood Bicycle; Welches Smoke, Vape, & Gifts; the Liquor Store; Fernie’s Coffee; Cindi and Bruce Sempert; Proud Mary Coffee; Cooper’s Wine Bar; The Govy 500; El Burro Loco; and Becky Farmer. Special thanks were extended to El Burro Loco for offering a festive happy hour in support of Pride guests.
“Inclusion matters,” said Ford. “This event was just one reminder that when we come together with purpose and joy, we can create something meaningful.”
Pride 2025 at Coffee House 26 proved that even a small-town celebration can have a big heart — and an even bigger impact.