Over a thousand people descended on Lee Park Saturday afternoon to prove they aren't ashamed to show off their gay pride. People were spilling out of the park in downtown Charlottesville for the city's first Cville Pride Festival.
Gays, straights, bisexuals, and transgenders across central Virginia came out to show they support all sexual orientations. Folks got to enjoy vendors, performances by drag kings and queens and Charlottesville musicians.
Amy Sarah Marshall with the Cville Pride Festival said, "It seemed like it was about time for Charlottesville to actually stand up and say, ‘Yes there is a gay community here and there are allies who support them, and businesses, and individuals, people's co-workers and friends.'"
There was such a large response from people who wanted to be a part of Saturday's event that they had to start turning away sponsors.
Organizers are planning to host another Cville Pride Festival next year in a larger venue.
