NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Fernandina Beach Pride Inc. hosted its sixth annual Pride Parade and Festival today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Park in historic Fernandina Beach.
The nonprofit, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting, connecting, and enriching the Nassau County LGBTQ+ community, is embracing a beach party theme this year — bringing sun-soaked energy, vibrant colors, and a coastal vibe to the celebration.
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The parade kicked off at 10 a.m., following the traditional route from Central Park down Ash Street, over to Centre Street via 2nd Street, and back along Centre Street and Atlantic Avenue.
Following the parade, the festival officially began at 11 a.m. and featured an expansive Vendor Village with almost 100 diverse vendors and a variety of local food trucks.
“I just love being here,” one attendee said. “I love seeing all of the members of the community kind of coming out and being together. It’s always such a lovely time.”
“We have people from all around this area — outside of the regional area — and they’re coming in for the day, which makes a big community impact here,” another attendee said.
For local vendors, the welcoming atmosphere is equally meaningful.
“No one’s judgmental. Everyone has fun. They express themselves however they want,” one vendor said. “I can actually show my art that’s not the typical art style, and people appreciate it, and they don’t judge it. It’s the best market of the year because the best people of the community come out, and we all get to have a good time together. It’s really great to see everyone coming in to celebrate joy and happiness and times that are not necessarily always the happiest.”