Neighborhoods were greeted with car honks and rainbow balloons as decorated cars traveled through State College for the borough’s first Pride parade on Saturday. The event fell on the fifth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting.
The car parade started at State College Area High School and ended with a gathering at Sidney Friedman Park.
Many community members, including mayoral candidate Ezra Nanes, were excited to see a Pride event unfold in State College.
“This is the start of something that’s going to be a really great part of every summer. I just can see this event growing, I’m really excited for next year and all the years after that," Nanes said.
Other Pennsylvania politicians came out to show their support, including two Democrats running for U.S. Senate: Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman and Philadelphia Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who came to show his support with his husband.
Sarah McPherson of State College brought her 2 and 6-year-old daughters to learn about Pride. She said she was happy to see the celebration finally take place in the borough.
“Anything and everything as far as addressing equality can happen sooner, but I try to hold onto that hope that things are moving forward," she said.
