Home On the Mountain: Why We’re Hosting the First-Ever Mt. Hood Pride
When we founded Wander Free and Queer in 2018, we were living full-time in our RV, traveling across the country and searching for "home." We found it here, in the shadow of Mt. Hood. Since settling into the foothills, our mission has evolved from seeking community to actively building it.
That is why we are beyond thrilled to announce our collaboration with Coffee House 26 in hosting Mt. Hood Pride!
A Partnership Rooted in Local Love
For a small queer business like ours, visibility is everything. But visibility is only possible when you have allies who are willing to open their doors and share their space.
Partnering with Coffee House 26 in Welches feels like the perfect alignment. They are a staple of the mountain corridor. A place where locals and travelers alike stop for a warm cup of Proud Mary Coffee and a moment of rest and rejuvenation. By joining forces, we’re showing that "Pride" isn't just something that happens in the city; it’s something that lives in the villages, the hamlets, and the local coffee shops of the Mt. Hood corridor.
A Queer Carnival theme
We wanted our first Pride event to feel like the best kind of summer day. On June 21, 2026, Coffee House 26 and the surrounding outside area will transform into a festive "Midway." Think:
The Maker’s Midway: Shopping handmade goods from local artists (including our own crochet!).
Family Fun: Carnival-style games, music, and treats.
A Safe Space: This is a substance-free and family-friendly event. We want every member of our community—from kids to elders—to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
Our Hope for the Corridor
Our theme is "Celebrating Diversity from Sandy to Government Camp." Often, folks in rural or mountain areas feel they have to travel to Portland to find "their people." We want to change that narrative.
We hope this event serves as a bridge. We want it to be a day where a queer youth in Sandy feels the support of their neighbors, where a maker in Govy finds a new audience, and where we all come together to support a vital cause.
Speaking of support, all proceeds from our event will be donated to The Trevor Project, ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth have the mental health resources they need to keep wandering free and queer.
Join Us Under the Evergreens
Whether you’ve been with us since our RV days or you just discovered our crochet beanies last week, we want you there.
Date: 6/21/2026
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location: Coffee House 26, Welches, OR
Pro-Tip: Parking is limited in our beautiful mountain town, so please carpool with your crew!
Let’s make history together on the mountain. We can't wait to see you there.
If you are looking to get involved, visit here.
