Thousands of people came out to the first ever Naples Pride Fest at Cambier Park on Saturday.
The event hosted by the Collier Freedom Movement included food, games, performances and guest speakers.
"We Are One" is this years theme which encourages the entire Southwest Florida community to unite as one and recognize the importance of equal rights for every individual no matter their gender, sexuality, sexual preference, race, ethnicity or religion.
"Collier County has made great strides in recognizing LGBTQ issues but there is still a long way to go," said Cori Craciun, Naples Pride president. "We felt a momentum building and realized it was time for Naples to have its first Pride. It is long overdue."
Collier Freedom, a nonprofit non-partisan grass roots organization that has planned many marches over the last several months, felt it was time to join cities across the nation in celebrating Pride. Collier Freedom enlisted the help of the Rainbow Pages, which publishes an LGBTQA publication, and provides a free app and website on LGBTQA issues; and several others involved in the community.
