LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Thousands from central Arkansas gathered in the streets of the SOMA district in Little Rock on Saturday for their second annual Pride festival.

Strong morning storms delayed the start of the festival and parade, but didn’t dampen the spirit of the day.

The parade kicked off at 2 p.m., and the LGBTQ+ community and allies stayed after the parade for food, music and shopping at vendor booths.

Organizers estimate that between ten and fifteen thousand people attended the celebration.

Pride month is celebrated annually in June to honor the LGBTQ+ community. It traces its roots back to the Stonewall riots in June of 1969, where New York City police targeted a gay bar, which resulted in riots following the negative impact it left on the community.

See Full Page