‘I just love all the love here’: Second annual Fernandina Beach Pride Parade and Festival kicks off

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Around 3,000 people were expected Saturday at Central Park in Fernandina Beach, all wearing their brightest colors.

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With flags raised high, allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community kicked off the 2nd Annual Fernandina Beach Pride Parade and Festival.

“I absolutely love supporting the LGBTQ+ community,” attendee Raven Baker said. “I have a lot of people in my family, including myself, who are in this community. I just love all the love here and just no judgment.”

Baker said she hopes to see more acceptance across the world.

“Just for more people to be just open and just genuinely just love each other,” Baker said.

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The parade started at 10 a.m. with the Fernandina Beach Police Department leading the festivities. The festival started around 10:45 am at Central Park.

Vendors and food trucks have been set up, and speakers and live musicians began around 11:15 a.m.

Matthew Holder also showed up for the events Saturday.

“I just came out in March,” Holder said.

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He explained what this year’s Pride Month means to him.

“It was very hard at first, but I did it,” Holder said. “I was proud of myself, and they were proud of me as well. I’m just happy to be here.”

The festival will run until 6 p.m.

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