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.

Amidst numerous vendors at the event, varying from small to large businesses, I had a conversation with Leigha Woody, the owner of Gay Day Outdoors, about the significance of returning to Beats on Broad.

“It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m so happy to be back. I’ve reconnected with people I met last year or at different PRIDE festivals throughout the season. It’s amazing to see people wearing clothes they bought last year at pride events this year and stopping by to say hi. I love building connections with individuals in the community,” said Woody.

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

“It holds great importance for me. I grew up in a very rural evangelical town where I felt isolated and unable to truly be myself. Especially with the current political climate, it feels more crucial than ever for the community to unite and support one another,” Woody expressed.

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.