KALISPELL - Several hundred people are expected to attend a gay pride event in Kalispell this weekend and some groups say they plan to protest.

The Flathead Valley Alliance, a coalition of gays and lesbians, is planning a dance Friday night, a parade and rally Saturday morning, followed by a drag show and dance on Saturday night.

The local group is in its first year of a two-year commitment to host the annual Montana Pride Network celebration.

Valley Victory Church Pastor David Beaulieu says he knows of a few people who plan to stand silently along the parade route holding signs and some who will pray silently.

Flathead Valley churches have organized a pro-family parade for June 27, including a trailer that focuses on marriage being between one man and one woman and a Ten Commandments float.

Organizer Annie Bukacek calls the event a peaceful response to the gay rights parade.