AUGUSTA, Ga () – Beats on Broad kicking off Augusta PRIDE weekend at Augusta Common.

It is just the first of many events happening this weekend celebrating PRIDE in the CSRA.

The night starts with performances from Mr and Mx Augusta PRIDE.

People are dressed to impress ready for a night of performances, dancing and meeting new friends.

With dozens of vendors at the event ranging from small to large business, I spoke with the owner of Gay Day Outdoors, Leigha Woody, about what coming back to Beats on Broad means.

“It’s an awesome chance, I’m so glad to be able to come back. I’ve met people that I saw last year, or at different PRIDE festivals that I’ve been to throughout festival season. It’s really cool to see people wear clothes that they bought last year to pride this year and come say hi, I really enjoy making connections with people in the community,” said Woody.

Leigha tells me seeing the community welcome people from all backgrounds is encouraging.

“It means a lot to me. I grew up in a really rural evangelical town where I didn’t feel like I had a community or could really be myself. Especially with the political everything that’s happening right now, it feels even more important to have community come together and be here for each other,” Woody said.

I spoke with another attendee who goes to Augusta PRIDE every year and says its always a fun environment.

“I love our pride, I feel very welcomed here, I love it, it’s very fun, I love the music, it’s always lit. I come here to have a good time. It’s amazing, some other places don’t get this. My brother lives all the way in Florida, and their PRIDE isn’t as big as ours. I appreciate it very much,” said James Owens.

If you missed Beats on Broad there are PRIDE events happening all weekend long.