AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta’s Pride celebration looked different this year, with the event moving to the Augusta Fairgrounds because of Broad Street construction, according to Beats on Broad organizers.

This year marks Augusta’s 16th year hosting Pride. Organizers said the goal remains to make people feel supported beyond the event itself.

Kourtnee Pope Kollins, identified on-screen as MX Augusta, said it was their first year attending Augusta Pride, though not their first Pride experience overall.

“This is actually my first year at Augusta Pride. I’m the current MX Augusta Pride. But Pride in general, I’ve been going since I was little, so I’m excited to be here,” Pope Kollins said.

Attendees and organizers speak on the event’s meaning

Attendee Nick Horvath said the celebration holds personal significance.

“My favorite moments of Pride are always seeing the little kids that are out getting to interact with performers like myself and just — there’s nothing wrong with loving who you are and getting to see them show appreciation for that,” Horvath said. “It’s just nice that we have one event throughout the month that can just really, you know, just like, show people Augusta is just not about hate. It’s also about love and spreading positivity.”

Resources available year-round, organizers say

James Mintz, identified as Pride treasurer, said the event is meant to reach people who may not feel represented.

“I think what’s always important is you may not always feel like you’re being represented in the community, but you would be surprised at who comes out. And even if you’re not ready to come out or feel comfortable coming, there are many resources that are available to you 365 days out of the year,” Mintz said. “We’re your neighbors, we’re your cousins, your family, coworkers, and, you know, we’re here, and we’re happy.”

A separate unidentified speaker described the event’s purpose.

“This is an opportunity and a safe space for people who are queer to come together and know that they’re supported, loved, and appreciated,” Pope Kollins said.

The celebration continues Saturday with the 16th Annual Augusta Pride Festival, a free event featuring live entertainment, speakers, vendors, community organizations and family-friendly activities.

This year’s celebration has moved to the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds because of ongoing construction in downtown Augusta.

Organizers also canceled the traditional Pride parade for 2026 because of safety concerns related to the construction, but say attendees can still expect a full weekend of events.

According to Augusta Pride, its mission is to promote visibility, unity and diversity education for LGBTQ+ communities across the Central Savannah River Area while supporting HIV awareness and community outreach.

For a complete schedule, entertainment lineup and additional event information, visit the Augusta Pride website.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A suspect has been convicted in connection with the shooting death of a 38-year-old near Walton Way in July 2024.

Joshua Wadley, 41, of Augusta, was found guilty after a three-day trial for the murder of Ceon Ulmer, 38, of Augusta.

Wadley shot and killed Ulmer on July 2, 2024, after a dispute over cocaine, District Attorney Jared Williams said Friday.

The defendant shot the victim six times, with three shots to the head.

The defendant will now serve life without parole plus 25 years.

Ulmer was found shot outside a residence on Warren Street.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners this week took a first step toward potentially bringing paid parking downtown, approving the hiring of a parking management firm to study the idea.

It is not the first time the city has considered a paid parking plan.

In 2015, the idea drew opposition from downtown business owners, and commissioners backed off, according to prior reporting.

In 2019, prior reporting showed a private company proposed a system with $1.375 million in costs and $1.3 million in projected revenue. That raised concerns that if parking did not generate enough money, taxpayers would cover the shortfall.

This week’s vote to hire a firm launches a new look at paid parking, but key questions remain, including whether it will work, who would pay if it does not and whether downtown business owners support it.

On Thursday, we’re talking to downtown business owners and people who live downtown to see what their thoughts are.

We’ll also look at how other Georgia cities — including Athens, Macon and Savannah — handle paid parking and what safeguards those systems have in place.