Police to up 'Pride in the Park' presence

COEUR d'ALENE — An increased law-enforcement presence will be on hand Saturday for Pride in the Park.

The free event, organized by North Idaho Pride Alliance, is expected to attract a few thousand celebrants.

There will be food, entertainment and information booths as Pride in the Park celebrates "diversity, inclusion and our commonness to build a stronger and more unified community for all," a press release said.

It is part of the 2023 CDA4Pride that supports LGBTQIA+ individuals, "honoring and recognizing their struggles and challenges, and thanking our loving and supportive allies."

The event gained national attention last year when 31 members of Patriot Front, described as a white nationalist group, were arrested June 11 in Coeur d’Alene while on their way to disrupt the Pride celebration in City Park.

Police say they will be ready to handle any disturbance.

"There will be an increased police presence in and around the park," Chief Lee White wrote in an email to The Press.

Pride in the Park is scheduled 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We’re looking forward to a fun and safe 2023 Pride in the Park," a press release said.

The North Idaho Pride Alliance shared a few anonymous emails from event supporters with The Press.

Comments included:

• “Considering the last year was our biggest Pride in the Park yet, we anticipate a fantastic turnout again this year."
• "The support that we have received from the local community, community leaders and local businesses has been overwhelmingly positive and re-affirms my experiences of living in this community all of my adult life."
• “Diversity is one of our core company values and we have a considerable number of LGBTQ+ employees who contribute their unique perspectives and talents to our organization. We sincerely appreciate the work that NIPA is doing to support these members of our community and make them feel welcome, wanted and safe.”