“No matter what your gender or beliefs, it brings everyone together for love.” 'The perfect year to move downtown': Adjusting locations for growing crowd “I think Pride is very important for the community,” she said. She is part of the Divine Harmony performance group in Akron and said she enjoys being part of the festival. Ruby Rabbit stood at 8 feet, walking on stilts covered by a red skirt with hearts. The participants carried signs and wore T-shirts with messages like, “I’m Here, Queer and Have No Fear,” “Hate Has No Home Here,” “Everyone Has Value,” and “We Support All Healthy Relationships.” The march had a carnival-like atmosphere with the marchers and crowd lining Main Street often sporadically cheering. Akron LGBTQ+ community, allies gather to celebrate pride The marchers, a diverse group of adults and kids of all genders, walked down Main Street from the Spaghetti Warehouse parking lot to Lock 3 where the festival was held this year. The mother and daughter were among more than 2,000 people who took part in the Equity March that marked the start of the pride festival in downtown Akron.
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“It teaches acceptance and love in a crowd of people so kind and caring,” Hensley said.
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Megan Hensley thinks the point of the festival is one that is important for her daughter, Adrianna, to learn. A Barberton mother walked in the march that kicked off the Akron Pride Festival Saturday with her 4-year-old daughter on her shoulders, both waving rainbow flags.