Thousands show their pride in uptown Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The streets of uptown are full for Charlotte's Pride Festival and organizers told Channel 9 that turnout seems to be on par with where it was last year, if not on the way to surpassing it.

Last year’s attendance for the entire weekend was more than 120,000 people.

Organizers said there was a small protest when the festival initially kicked off Saturday, but the remaining events have run without any interference.

Sunday's parade began at noon on 9th and North Tryon streets and continued to Trade Street.

There’s a lot of energy at the event, a lot of colors, food, music and a general sense of support and camaraderie.

One couple told Channel 9 that they've met total strangers who have just reached out to say "hi" and start a conversation.

Besides the celebratory atmosphere, there's an underlying message people have said they want the entire state and country to take away from Charlotte pride.

Channel 9 spoke with Chris Sgro, the executive director of Equality and the only openly gay member of the General Assembly (D-District 58), on his interpretation of that underlying message.

"In the wake of the passage of House Bill 2, and the Orlando tragedy, this is the most important year in memory for us to come together, not just to celebrate and have a party as we're doing, to stand together, but also make sure that we are advocating and finding out what our next steps are,” Sgro said.

The City declared the festival an extraordinary event, meaning additional security precautions.

Reporter Alexa Ashwell has already seen officers on the main route of the parade.

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Cox Media Group