FROM STAFF REPORTS

Downtown Statesville was full of pride on Saturday afternoon as a diverse and colorful crowd paraded down Broad Street for the Statesville Pride Parade and Festival.

The festival featured live music, food, drag performances and a wide variety of vendors.

Having an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate is so important, Statesville Pride Alliance founding member and Vice President Sheri Coarsey said.

“It’s the same as other festivals and celebrations that highlight and make an effort to include folks who might feel marginalized. It’s an opportunity for learning and knowing who your neighbors are,” she said.

Looking out at the sea of rainbows and other colorful displays, Coarsey said she was filled with a sense of hope for the future. “Seeing everyone at the festival expressing themselves in so many ways, I’m just so grateful that they feel safe and secure here.”

Coarsey added that the community has been very welcoming and supportive, from local businesses, festival sponsors, community groups and the Statesville Police Department, who she said have been strong allies.

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