As music filled the air at Coeur d’Alene City Park on Saturday, Maribel Martinez danced. 

She kicked her legs.  

She raised her hands. 

She spun in circles. 

And she smiled. 

A lot. 

“It’s a way to celebrate community,” the Coeur d’Alene woman said during the North Idaho Pride Alliance’s Pride in the Park.

Hundreds of people attended the celebration on a cool, cloudy and windy day. Rainbows were displayed on clothes and flags as they celebrated “building a stronger and more unified community for all.”   

Signs that read, “Everyone is welcome here,” “We take pride in standing for equality in Idaho,” and “Choose Love,” were scattered throughout the park.

Rena Herndobler worked at a booth selling colorful banners and stickers. She said Pride in the Park has grown each year, which she saw as a positive sign.

“We love the inclusivity in the community,” she said. “Everybody needs to be treated equally and the same.” 

Katie LePard, a retired pastor, was greeting people at a booth for Northwest Grace Co-op, which includes Trinity Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church of the Master in Coeur d’Alene, and Calvary Lutheran Church in Post Falls. 

A banner described the co-op as “Grace-Rooted. Radically-Inclusive. Christ-Centered.” 

She said the churches work together and welcome all.

“We mean everybody when we say that,” LePard said. 

Marcia Ryburn with Trans Spokane was pleased with how the day was going. 

"Absolutely amazing,” she said. “The only thing I would change is the weather. People are friendly and understanding.” 

She said the organization was “a little bit leery” about coming to Coeur d’Alene, “but we’ve had no problems with anybody. A lot of people are really happy to see us here. We’ll definitely look forward to coming back.” 

A highlight came when the PJAMRS (the Peace and Justice Activist Musical Rascals of Spokane) band marched through the park to the bandshell, where they played several songs, including “Yellow Submarine.” 

A crowd gather to listen, clap, sing along and yes, dance. 

“It's just so great to see this community within this community,” said band member Justin Mauger. “I'm proud to be able to come here and support it and celebrate with everyone for justice and equality and the humanity of all people. It's very much integral to who we are as a band and who I am as a person."

    Maribel Martinez of Coeur d'Alene dances during Pride in the Park on Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.
  

    Violet Hammond, "Vastra the Clown," hands an animal balloon to a youth at Pride in the Park in Coeur d'Alene