Bands, booths, and banners lined the rainbow-filled stretch of Oliver Lewis Way as visitors arrived starting around noon decked out in costumes and face paint. A trio of drag queens featured on RuPaul's Drag Race — two Kentucky natives included — were set to perform later in the day.
This year, an exhibit funded by JustFundKY in collaboration with the Faulkner Morgan Archive traced LGBTQ history in Kentucky through a series of 50 signs.
"We're so excited to have so many sponsors, even more than last year, and we have a great turnout so far this year. Our parade is even bigger and better than last year," said Katie Waddell, a board member with the Lexington Pride Center.
Waddell said the growth is encouraging.
"I think that Lexington is a beautiful, diverse, supportive place for queer people, and we can see that just from looking around here. All the local businesses, places of worship, and nonprofits that have come out and given their time and money to support the community," Waddell said.
A handful of protesters held signs near the main stage, urging attendees to repent, with one reading, "Sin is the problem. Jesus is the cure." Meanwhile at least nine churches and religious groups — among them Central Baptist and Faith Lutheran churches and the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass — had booths at the event.
The gathering marked the 18th Pride Fest in Lexington.