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‘We’ve just been feeling love’: Lethbridge Pride marks record attendance in 2018

Click to play video: 'Organizers count record attendance for Lethbridge Pride event'
Organizers count record attendance for Lethbridge Pride event
WATCH ABOVE: There was a record-setting number of people in attendance at Lethbridge's Pride in the Park event on Saturday. This year marks a decade of Pride celebrations in the city. As Kyle Benning reports, members of the LGBTQ+ community say they feel like southern Albertans support them – Jun 25, 2018

Thousands braved temporary rain and wind on Saturday to take part in the Lethbridge Pride Fest in what was a record-setting year for attendance.

Organizers say about 6,000 people came to Pride in the Park — 1,000 more than last year’s signature event.

The event drew its largest crowd, despite rainfall during the parade leading up to the celebration.

Lethbridge Pride Fest says southern Albertans bolster the LGBTQ+ community, citing public support after rainbow crosswalks were vandalized in the city last year.

The festival’s treasurer told Global News there has been limited attacks against them this year.

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“We always used to internally prepare ourselves,” said Derrick Antson. “[We know] the internet is going to get rough, the comments are going to be bad. This year, we’ve actually noted a trend that there hasn’t been any. We’ve had one or two negative comments here or there, but overall, we’ve just been feeling love and support.”

WATCH: Previewing Lethbridge Pride: ‘People are coming together’

Click to play video: 'Previewing Lethbridge Pride: ‘People are coming together’'
Previewing Lethbridge Pride: ‘People are coming together’

This year marked the 10th anniversary of Lethbridge’s inaugural pride event — something that started as a barbecue and dance outside of town, Antson said.

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He said it is amazing to see the growth of the festival now that it has functions running throughout the month of June.

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