Thousands gathered in every colour of the rainbow to march in the annual Pride March as part of the Okanagan Pride Festival.

The march, which took place Saturday morning, had participants walking from Stuart to Waterfront Park where festivities were held in the park for the afternoon.

香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 my third year out here and it香蕉视频直播檚 a lot of fun. I香蕉视频直播檝e actually never been to a pride parade,香蕉视频直播� said march participant Mikayla Rothwell.

Rachel Neale visited the festival for the first time last year.

香蕉视频直播淚 just wanted to be part of the community, it香蕉视频直播檚 so fun,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淭here香蕉视频直播檚 definitely more awareness, you slowly see people come out of their shells and people are more accepting.香蕉视频直播�

Rothwell enjoyed seeing the different costumes.

香蕉视频直播淚t makes you feel welcome and invited,香蕉视频直播� she said.

Robert Verigin, also known as drag queen Sophonda Mann, was wearing a rainbow-coloured drag outfit and a glittery mask for the event.

香蕉视频直播淭o me the turnout is really good, it香蕉视频直播檚 nice to see people just be themselves,香蕉视频直播� he said.

When commenting on his costume, he said 香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檝e had this costume for many years, I香蕉视频直播檝e wore it in other prides and I want to take it apart. But I might as well wear it one more time.香蕉视频直播�

March participant Ellen Churchill said she香蕉视频直播檚 been marching in Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 pride events since the 香蕉视频直播�90s and is glad to see the community has become more accepting.

香蕉视频直播淭here was no corporate sponsorship, there was no mayor,香蕉视频直播� said Churchill.香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 pretty moving now for us that have been involved for 20 years.香蕉视频直播�

Last year香蕉视频直播檚 march drew around 5,000 participants.

The Trans March held Thursday, Aug. 17 had crowds of around 250 people.

A mass pride wedding was also held Saturday afternoon at the Island Stage in Waterfront Park.

Check Wednesday香蕉视频直播檚 edition of the Capital News for an updated version of the story.