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“I wanted to look like a rainbow,” the Olympia teen said.
She, along with her equally colorful dressed friends Noelle Walker, 13, Blue Tate, 11, and Karly Literal, 14, attended the Capital City Pride festival to show support to their friends.
“This year I’m really impressed,” Literal said. “There are a lot more people here, and it’s good to have this support.”
The event started from humble roots in 1991 as Pride Day and has since grown into a two-day event including a parade.
Music blasted from the stage as the smell of fair food hung in the air toward the start of the day’s festivities.
Families wandered the closed off streets of downtown Olympia, shopping the various wares and learning about local non-profits.
Uma Rao spent the morning at the Pride Foundation booth, a non-profit foundation that provides scholarships to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Rao has been to several Capital City Pride events over the years. “There are so many people out here to show support for the community,” Rao said. “All the different types of venues for the young, adult and the elderly.”
She’s anticipating this year will attract more people than ever before. Organizers focused on attracting younger crowds.
“It’s great to see families out here, too,” Rao said.
The days events were scheduled to continue with a performance by dance-music artist Brian Kent, a dog show and a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender dance at the Urban Onion for those 21 and older.
Festivities will continue Sunday with a parade at noon.
The parade will begin at the Capitol dome and end in Sylvester Park.
Musical performances will follow the parade, as well as a LGBT Youth Talent Showcase.
