CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Pride has officially kicked off in the Queen City. Day one of the festival was full of excitement after the event was canceled for the last two years.
Community members who attended the event told WCNC Charlotte the word "pride" has a lot of meaning behind it. It's a small word with a big impact, and it means something different for everyone.
People in attendance said to them, pride means being who you are and being okay with that. It also means feeling free and finding a sense of community.
Everyone who showed out agreed by saying the return couldn't come at a better time. The event was full of vendors, fun, and entertainment, from headlining artists and local drag talent to friendly faces offering food and mementos.
The festival is back for day 2 on Sunday, which is also when the parade happens. The parade goes from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. After that, more talent will take to the main stage, chiefly two internationally-known drag queens: Yvie Oddly and Angeria Paris VanMichaels. Yvie won the eleventh season of reality competition show RuPaul's Drag Race and also recently appeared in season seven of the All-Stars spinoff series. Angeria appeared in season 14, the most recent season of the main show, and placed well as a runner-up.
A round of storms and rain is expected in the Charlotte area on Sunday afternoon. Charlotte Pride issued the following statement regarding the inclement weather:
Today’s event is rain or shine. We’ll receive updates from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Agency on any potential severe weather and have a plan to communicate severe weather pauses or delays to visitors on-the-ground.
Saturday saw several notable acts take the main stage, including Grammy winner and singer/songwriter Daya as the headliner. Billboard chart-topper Siena Liggins opened the floor up, and New York rapper Kalifa was another feature. Boone's own Galloway also took the stage, as did Johnáe Thee Egyptian Goddess from Florida.
Editors Note: A prior version stated Charlotte Pride officials expected 600,000 people for this year's events. The organization said that is not an official estimate and the figure came from an attendee who was unaffiliated with the organization's board or staff.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.