A lively atmosphere at the Augusta Pride Festival celebrating diversity and inclusion.
The Augusta Pride Festival kicks off this weekend celebrating its 15th anniversary. Featuring a Pride Parade and various activities, the festival showcases local support for the LGBTQ+ community and promotes safety with the presence of law enforcement. With over $1.2 million generated for the local economy, the event highlights the growth of attendance and the importance of inclusion and belonging in Augusta.
Augusta – The annual Augusta Pride Festival is set to return this weekend, beginning with the popular Beats on Broad event on Friday evening at 6 p.m. at the Augusta Common. The main festivities kick off Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with the Pride Parade, followed by the festival’s activities throughout the day at the same location.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Augusta Pride event, which has seen remarkable growth in attendance over the years. Originally started with an estimated 100 attendees, the festival now welcomes over 15,000 participants, highlighting the increasing interest and support for the LGBTQ+ community within the area.
In response to the growing attendance, organizers have prioritized safety for all participants. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will deploy community safety officers in yellow shirts across downtown Augusta, with officers present on foot and in golf carts to ensure public safety. Recent measures have reportedly made the community feel more secure, particularly in light of nearby large gatherings, including the upcoming July Fourth holiday.
According to law enforcement, safety at the festival has been effectively managed in previous years. There have been no significant safety issues reported, and festival organizers have collaborated closely with local authorities to maintain a secure environment for attendees. This commitment to safety has fostered a sense of trust and comfort for those participating in the festivities.
The Augusta Pride Festival goes beyond just a celebration; it also significantly benefits the local economy. In the past year alone, the festival has generated over $1.2 million in economic impact for the city. Local businesses, such as Grantski Records and Cafe on 8th, heavily rely on the increased foot traffic brought in by festival-goers. The festival provides an essential boost to their revenue through in-person sales during the event, according to local business representatives.
This year’s festival will also feature a variety of offerings, including food and craft vendors, as well as community resources available year-round. Attendees are encouraged to explore the diverse array of stalls, savor the culinary delights, and engage with various organizations present at the festival.
The Augusta Pride Festival serves not just as a celebration of identity and community but also as an annual reminder of the importance of inclusion and belonging. As participants gather to celebrate, they contribute to a vibrant culture that reflects the community’s rich diversity. The festival’s organizers invite everyone to join the festivities and revel in the spirit of Pride.
As the festival unfolds this weekend, it promises to be an enriching experience for everyone involved and showcases the progress the Augusta community has made over the past 15 years in promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity.
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