AUGUSTA, GA. (WJBF) – Georgia’s second-largest pride event continues with a parade and festival to celebrate pride month.

The Augusta pride parade took a new route on Greene Street but did not change its purpose for all to stand together. 

“To be able to come out and just like be with people who are like me and celebrate people like me. Then I can show those that might be scared that it’s okay to be out and be who you are,” said Desiree Banzanten, an attendee.

After living in another country, one attendee got emotional seeing the unity downtown.

“I’ve never been here before, and during the parade, I actually cried because I thought it was so beautiful that a sense of community was felt. Coming here this year and seeing how people are so willing to love each other and be so bold in their love for humans and each other is really refreshing,” said Beth Zinkhan, an attendee.

 Two best friends were able to celebrate pride for the first time.

“I’m glad I was able to express myself to the people I love and hang out with some really cool people,” said attendee Roneisha Moore.

One best friend was happy to support and celebrate her friend and others.

“I’m glad she was able to come out to her friends and family and just celebrate with people,” said Courtney Etheredge, an attendee.

Some people traveled to Augusta to enjoy the Parade and Festival because there is nothing like it where they live.

“We’re so happy to be able to come out here, and I know Augusta isn’t always the safest place sometimes, but I feel so safe here. And to be able to just a thirty-minute drive and it’s like a whole different world,” said Elizabeth Hobbs, an attendee.

Attendees felt safe and overjoyed to have a place where they felt accepted.

“In our community, we’re not really recognized and were always shunned upon, so being out here and actually having something blocked off and dedicated to us all day, that’s like great, “said Kiera Lambert, an attendee.

In all people want to remind others to spread love, not hate.