Thousands Hit Minneapolis To Celebrate Pride Weekend
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Hundreds of thousands of people hit Loring Park this weekend as part of the annual Pride Festival in Minneapolis.
The event, which celebrates the LGBT community and gay rights, is one of the largest of its kind in the entire country. The event is highlighted by the annual Pride parade, which was at 11 a.m. Sunday in downtown Minneapolis. It went along Hennepin Avenue, starting at 3rd Street and ending at Spruce.
Jonathon Spears from Minneapolis, stood at the corner of Hennepin and 10th, taking in the sights and sounds of the celebration.
He is originally from Indiana.
"It's just great to live in a city like Minneapolis, where diversity is accepted and you can be who you are," Spears said.
Katelyn Hedzel stood with her 7-month-old niece, waving at the many dressed in colorful outfits walked the parade route.
"It's her first pride parade," Hedzel said.
She is from Wisconsin and came for the festival.
"Our slogan for today is we love everybody," Hedzel said.
After the parade, the celebration continued in Loring Park.
There was also a Rainbow Run 5K race at Boom Island, and several buildings in Minneapolis are getting into the Pride Spirit. The 35W bridge is lit up in rainbow colors, as is the WCCO Weather Watcher.