WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Public Square in Wilkes-Barre was full of color and rainbows for its annual PrideFest.
People were waving pride flags high and proud for the city's 3rd annual Pride Parade.
"This is amazing. Every year, it gets better and better, and we come out and we support each other, and that's what I love. We come together and we do it for the people and have so much fun," said Rita Delgado, Wilkes-Barre.
For many, PrideFest is a reminder that they belong to something.
For Justin Carson, a lifelong Wilkes-Barre resident, it is a reminder that there is an ocean of people who care, "It makes me feel like I'm actually a part of this city, you know, because once again, being left out my whole entire childhood and stuff like that and being judged, it feels as though someone actually cares about me. I have all my friends here, and everyone I know is here, and it makes me feel so much welcome and accepted. You know, and I really do enjoy that it makes me feel whole, almost like it's a family.
Those who come to the celebration are not just part of the lgbtq plus community but allies as well who feel it's important to show their support.
"It's important for me to show support for my children, but also my students, and just because it's the right thing to do to love everybody and just have a good time," said Amy Bashm, Mountain Top.
Remy Pirro came all the way from East Stroudsburg to enjoy Wilkes-Barre's PrideFest, "My mom comes with me to these, and she's pretty straight, she had me, but you know she comes with me to these, and it makes me happy to see you know everyone straight, gay, trans, just everyone."
Maddison Fowler tells Newswatch 16 her favorite part of the parade, "Probably seeing how everybody dressed, and everybody standing out in their own different way."
"All we have to do is come together. If there's no hate and there's love, we all come together, and we do it for the people and our families who come out and support," said Delgado.