Students with Duke University’s LGBT student group ride through the parade.
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DURHAM, N.C. — Thousands attended North Carolina’s statewide LGBT Pride parade and festival on the east campus of Duke University on Saturday, Sept. 25.
NC Pride Festival and Parade executive director John Short estimated about 10,000 people attended the event throughout the day, with about 2,000 alone marching in the parade. About a dozen floats from businesses, student organizations, churches and non-profit groups were driven on the parade route.
Short also said more vendors participated in this year’s festival than in past years. The event was keynoted by Wake Forest University School of Law professor Shannon Gilreath. Openly gay Chapel Hill Mayor Mike Kleinschmidt also spoke.
Pride season continues in the Carolinas this weekend. Both Pride Charlotte and Asheville’s Blue Ridge Pride will be held on Oct. 2.