COEUR d'ALENE - In recognition of June as "Pride Month," the local Parents, Friends and family of Lesbians And Gays group, known as PFLAG Coeur d'Alene, is hosting "Pride in the Park," a free, family-friendly community picnic Saturday.

OutSpokane and North Idaho College Gender and Sexuality Alliance are sponsoring the event along with PFLAG.

"We really believe we can make a difference in creating a stronger, safer community for everyone by celebrating our diversity," said PFLAG Coeur d'Alene President Juli Stratton.

Stratton said the picnic will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at G.O. Phippeny Park. The picnic will precede the 19th annual OutSpokane Pride Cruise which will leave at 2 p.m. from The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Stratton said free hot dogs and chips will be available and there will be live entertainment by Kathy Colton and the Reluctants. There will be a children's area set up as well as about 10 community resource tables.

Stratton said this is the first time they have held Pride in the Park and the focus is building community for people who might feel marginalized or not welcome.

"We welcome all who believe in moving equality forward to join us in this family-friendly celebration," Stratton said.