Source: Ventura County Star

On September 28, 2002 the Ventura County Star reported that "intended as an outreach to Wiccans, Shamans, Druids and followers of other Neo-Pagan religions, the first-time pride fest [in Oxnard, California] was also aimed at teaching outsiders... Most contemporary Pagans celebrate all seasonal changes. They view the autumn equinox as sort of a Thanksgiving -- a time to honor Mother Nature for her contributions in the form of a harvest and to reflect on goals for the coming year."