AUGUSTA, Ga ()- The theme of this year’s Augusta Pride celebration is “Together 15,” in honor of its 15th year. It kicks off Friday night with the “Beats on Broad- Red Party.”

“It is the return of the Red Party and it’s exciting to come back to bringing colors to the community and starting the rainbow over again. But we’ve got a lot of exciting things going on. We’ve got Betty Who kicking off tonight for “Beats on Broad,'” said Augusta Pride President, Michael Barnard-Jenkins.

Barnard-Jenkins explained that each color on the Pride flag have a specific meaning. Red means life and that’s what they are celebrating this year.

The Pride Parade starts Saturday at 10 a.m. The festival begins immediately after the parade at the Augusta Common.

There will be music, food, and vendors to people to enjoy. There will also be resource tables, which Barnard-Jenkins said is one of the most important parts of the Pride festival.

He explained they work hard to make it an event for everyone. He urged parents of LGBTQ+ kids to bring them out to the festivities and support them.

“It’s family friendly. Just know that we keep that in mind as we’re organizing. Come out and enjoy yourself. Allow your kids to be their authentic self and find themselves. I wish I would have found myself sooner.”

With high temperatures expected as usual, organizers have a plan in place to keep people cool and safe. There will also be a medic tent on site if anyone has a medical emergency.

“We will have misting tents. A lot of our vendors pass out bottled water. We will have bottled water available. Do not, you know, if you feel like you are about to pass out, please grab somebody. But we have those in place as well. So come out here, stay hydrated, make sure you wear sunscreen as well,” Barnard-Jenkins said.

Because political tensions are high across the nation, Barnard-Jenkins assures people they are taking security precautions to keep everyone attending the festival safe.

“We have never had any incidents. I would say, you know, trust the organizers, trust the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department. We work very closely with them. And we wouldn’t be secure if I sat here and told you our security details. Just know that there’s plans in place.”

Barnard-Jenkins told NewsChannel 6 that the current political climate is exactly why celebrating Pride is so important.

“But just know, we’re still your family members, we’re still your neighbors, we’re still your friends. We are still part of this world and we are still, you know, unfortunately, sometimes we’re still fighting for rights and equality. And it’s very important. And that’s why Pride still matters. It’s still important to give these safe spaces for our community.”

Gates for “Beats on Broad” open at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Augusta Common. CLICK HERE for the link to buy tickets or you can get them at the gate.

The Augusta Pride parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. Participants will line up at the James Brown Arena parking lot. The parade will move down Greene Street from 7th Street to 10th Street. It will turn on 10th Street and head the other way down Greene Street, ending back at the JBA parking lot.

The Augusta Pride Festival will begin when the parade ends and go until 4 p.m.

Photojournalist: Reggie Mckie.