GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The heat, humidity and rain showers were unable to "rain on the parade" for those attending Grand Rapids's 36th Pride Festival on Saturday.
Organizers from the Pride Center in Grand Rapids said 35,000 people came out for Pride in 2023 and they expect this year's total to be even higher.
The roar of the crowd could be heard blocks away as people watched drag performances and live music at Calder Plaza.
Crowds made their way up and down Ottawa Avenue, but for the first time ever, the event took place across Ionia Avenue as well.
This year's festival also saw food trucks, a family fun zone for children and a sensory area.
Organizers are also proud that 40% of vendors are LGBTQ+-owned businesses, along with many other local organizations and agencies being represented.
"I just love it, I love the energy," said Ames Carpenter who was sharing a booth for their life coaching business with the Grand Rapids Area Tenants Union.
Carpenter said they were enjoying the rain as a nice break from the heat.
"I know we'll come out here no matter what and love on each other and be with each other and have fun and enjoy each other," said Carpenter. "I walk by people and say, 'You look gorgeous, you look great,' because I love all the ways that people are expressing themselves."
Many of those attending said the Pride Festival was an opportunity to be themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
"It means that I don't have to hide who I am all the time," said Joselyn Griffen. "I don't have to lie about who I really am and that I can just be myself."
Kade Strait said they appreciate the opportunities to have conversations about health and resources available for LGBTQ+ community members.
"There's a lot of stuff about LGBTQ health and services regarding stuff like that people don't really know about and it's hard to find out information sometimes," said Strait. "It's great to have events like these for just learning more about both identities and health."
Some looked at the size of the event and couldn't help but see the growth compared to festivals from years past.
"I remember when it was over at a park, over on Riverside Park and it's just grown so exponentially," said Carlos Kulas-Dominguez, who was enjoying the event with his husband.
"I moved out here in 97 and we didn't have any of this happening back in 1997," said Carlos Kulas-Dominguez. "We have tons of families, a lot of youth that have access, that probably didn't have safe spaces to go to celebrate Pride, so making all those shifts has been amazing."
13 ON YOUR SIDE had a booth at Grand Rapids Pride and was happy to spend the day there.
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