Pride found a way to flourish at the 12th Annual Central Arkansas Pride Fest on Oct. 19 in North Little Rock.

The event occurred at Argenta Plaza and the surrounding block in North Little Rock.

The Pride Fest took place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with sponsors, restaurants and organizations setting up booths for people to visit. 

As onlookers crowded the sidewalk, parade floats drove by, passing out knick-knacks and pamphlets.

After the parade, visitors went to the Argenta Plaza to enjoy the entertainment or the Park West Vendor Village to visit booths for organizations.

Anna Walton, the leader of the Arkansas chapter of Free Mom Hugs, set up a booth at PRIDE Fest for people to visit. 

“You’re not alone. A lot of people think that they’re alone, especially in communities that are not friendly,” she said. “We want everybody to know that we love you, and we are here with you.”

She said, “We’re [Free Mom Hugs], a national organization that promotes visibility, education and tries to support the community as much as we can.”

Throughout the event, entertainment consisted of drag performers and musicians performing on stage at the Argenta Plaza. 

Drag Queen Athena Sinclair hosted the event. 

The music duo Monsterboy Lives was the music headliner. 

Attendee Oli Lyzogubov said the Central Arkansas Pride Fest shows that queer people exist in Arkansas and want to celebrate their identity. 

Lyzogubov said, “Something about having a bunch of gay people in one place makes me feel okay. Usually, I have really high anxiety, but here I don’t.” 

Walton said, “When you get out into rural areas, you feel like you’re by yourself. And we want everybody to know that we love you and we are here with you.”

Attendee Sylvia Moore, who was in the process of joining the Young Democrats of Arkansas, said she wants to empower the local queer community. 

She said, “Be yourself. More people will accept you than you realize.”

Since the inception of the Central Arkansas Pride Fest in 2013, keeping the event free for all has been a priority for the organization running the event, Central Arkansas Pride.

The organization will hold fundraisers, accept donations and connect with sponsors to do this. 

To volunteer, sponsor or participate in next year’s festival, visit arpride.org.