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Salisbury Pride expects as many as 500 people will line one block of Fisher Street Saturday.
The group also expects that some people, like Lasheika Sumner, won't like it.
"I feel like it shouldn't happen," Sumner said.
She makes no apologies for how she feels.
"I think a man should be with a woman," she said. "I think a woman should be with a man."
Salisbury police hope barricades will keep back any protesters. Police will also have undercover officers mixed in with the vendors and people.
The chief asked the utilities department to bring two bucket trucks so they can get a bird's-eye view of the crowd.
"We need to have the best viewpoint that we can," Chief Rory Collins said.
Collins said the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church got the only permit for a protest section across the street. Between 20 and 40 protesters plan to sing gospel songs and speak, he said. They won't have protest signs.
Some people in the area welcome the gay pride celebration.
"I (am) just glad that we are having it," Justin Dionne said. "I think it's great to see the community grow like this."
The operators of Benchwarmers bar are hoping for a big crowd.
"You can come here 364 days a week," said bartender Tracie Rendleman. "If you don't like it, just don't come up."
Collins said a lot of people may object to the event, but only those with a permit can protest.
He said if any other group of two people or more protest, officers will tell them they are in violation of the law. He said if the protesters don't comply, then officers will take steps they deem necessary to keep the peace.