Hundreds gather at Atascadero Lake Park for a day of speeches, performances, and advocacy
ATASCADERO — Atascadero Lake Park came alive with color and community on Saturday as residents and visitors gathered for the 2025 Atascadero Pride Festival. The day-long event featured inspiring speakers, diverse entertainment, and a shared message: “Love changes everything,” as seen on signs.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis, who delivered remarks at the event, captured the spirit of the day: “Atascadero showed up with heart, pride, and purpose today. The message was clear: love changes everything. A special thank you to Thom Waldman for creating such an inclusive and joyful event.”
The celebration began with a literary kickoff hosted by the Friends of the Atascadero Library and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Atascadero. Acclaimed LGBTQ+ author Lucy Jane Bledsoe captivated the audience with reflections on her life and a reading from her latest novel, “Tell the Rest.” Festivalgoers praised her storytelling and dialogue that followed. AAUW members continued their support throughout the day by hosting a booth and connecting with attendees from across San Luis Obispo County.
Photos by Rick Evans/ATN
The Pride stage, next to the Traffic Records DJ booth, welcomed a robust lineup of speakers. Highlights included remarks by Senator John Laird, a founding member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and Addis, who chairs the Central Coast Legislative Caucus.
Local leaders also took to the microphone, including Atascadero City Councilmember Susan Funk and Mayor Charles Bourbeau, demonstrating the city’s growing commitment to inclusion. Pastor Heather Branton of the Community Church of Atascadero shared a message of unity from a faith-based perspective.
Yessenia Echevarria, founder of Mujeres de Acción and staffer for Congressman Salud Carbajal, delivered a passionate speech, declaring, “From farmworkers to a U.S. senator — this is where our country is at. Our Latino/Latinx communities are not safe.” She called for unity and solidarity across all communities, powerfully addressing the intersectionality of queer and Latinx experiences.
Photos by Rick Evans/ATN
Festival organizer and Atascadero Pride founder Thom Waldman was also among the featured speakers, thanking the crowd and volunteers for their support in making the event a success.
The afternoon was alive with music, dancing, and performances, including a special appearance by renowned performer Karole Foreman. Dozens of local vendors, artisans, and nonprofit organizations added to the festive atmosphere, offering everything from handmade crafts and delicious food to voter registration information.
Members of the Atascadero Democratic Club were also on hand, connecting with attendees and sharing resources on civic engagement. “We hope you had a chance to visit our table,” the club shared in a statement. “There were so many amazing speakers, eclectic vendors, and meaningful conversations throughout the day.”
Feature Image: (From left) Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau, State Assemblymember Dawn Addis, and Atascadero City Councilmember Susan Funk attended the Atascadero Pride Festival on Saturday, June 14, at Atascadero Lake Park. Photo courtesy of Dawn Addis
