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Thousands expected for ROC Pride events this weekend

B. Watts
/
Out Alliance

ROC Pride Week wraps up with two big events this weekend -- the annual Rochester Pride Parade and Pride Festival.

Out Alliance Communications Director Rowan Collins says they expect around 35,000 people to see the parade on Saturday this year, up from 30,000 last year.

"Our overarching theme for Pride this year has been "Stand Out: Live in Color." It really is about embracing authenticity.  Whoever you are at this moment is okay, and we want you to bring that person with you."

Collins says Rochester Pride events continue to grow in popularity in this community.

"There is this really rich, diverse supportive community in the Rochester area, whether you identify as LGBTQ or you're an ally of the community, there's space for people, in that there's something for everybody."

The Rochester Pride Festival also is this weekend, with record attendance expected in Cobb's Hill Park.

New this year is the Youth Village, a dedicated area at the festival with kid-friendly activities.

Tickets are required to attend the festival, but admission for veterans and those under 16 is free. The festival runs Saturday from 1 - 9pm and Sunday from 12 - 6pm.

The parade will line up at Noon on Saturday and step off at 1pm from Park Ave. and Alexander St. It will continue down Park Avenue until Brunswick Street. 

The Pride Parade will cause the following streets to be closed from 11:30 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday:
•       Park Avenue (from Alexander Street to Meigs Street)
•       Alexander Street (from Monroe Avenue to East Avenue)
•       Park Avenue (from Meigs Street to Culver Road) will close from 12:45 p.m. until the end of the parade.

The Pride Parade will cause the following street to be restricted to local traffic with no through traffic at Park Avenue:
•       S. Goodman Street (from East Avenue to Monroe Avenue)
•       Meigs Street (from East Avenue to Monroe Avenue)
•       Berkeley Street (from East Avenue to Park Avenue)
•       Vassar Street (from Milburn Street to Park Avenue)
•       Edgerton Street (from Milburn Street to Park Avenue)

You can get more information at: www.rocpridefest.org

Alex Crichton is host of All Things Considered on WXXI-FM 105.9/AM 1370. Alex delivers local news, weather and traffic reports beginning at 4 p.m. each weekday.