BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 The Oleander Pride Celebration was held this weekend in Bakersfield, bringing together community members for a family-friendly event centered on connection and self-expression.<\/p>\n
This year’s theme was “Out of This World.” The event featured 12 vendors and expanded its walking route to include a new stretch along F Street.<\/p>\n
Rebekah Ingle, Friends of Oleander director, said organizers make a point to try something different each year.<\/p>\n
“Expanded the walk to include additional artists and for the first time we added F street which is behind the park so it’s about a half mile walk,” Ingle said.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit Friends of Oleander launched the event during the pandemic as a way to bring people together in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
“A lot of us felt disconnected, and we really wanted a neighborhood centered event that was safe, that was family friendly, for us to be able to celebrate our pride in our colors,” Ingle said.<\/p>\n
Zues Olsen attended the celebration for the first time and said the event gave him a rare opportunity for open self-expression.<\/p>\n
“So being able to come somewhere where I can be so free, so open, and express myself artistically in a way I don’t normally get to is something I wouldn’t pass up for anything,” Olsen said.<\/p>\n
Olsen said seeing the community show up in full pride lifted his spirits.<\/p>\n
“I was worried I was a little bit overdressed and then I saw all of the flags everywhere and it was just so so freeing, so happy,” Olsen said.<\/p>\n
Socorro Derington and her wife said they are glad a Pride celebration exists in Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
“Usually we have to drive a few hours to go to an event. And I just love being in my community, being able to celebrate pride, and also see all the resources that we have to offer in town,” Derington said.<\/p>\n
Derington, attending for the third year, said she looks forward to the event each year and is grateful to those who organize it.<\/p>\n
“Just thank you for being dedicated and doing it every year. I love to see everyone come out and we appreciate that you have something local for us,” Derington said.<\/p>\n
Organizers said they look forward to seeing the event grow each year.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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