Downtown Pride new addition to Columbus Pride Month

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- There was a brand-new event in Columbus on Saturday called Downtown Pride on Gay and Pearl streets.

Last year, the event was held only on Pearl Street, but this Pride Month, organizer and event manager at Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District Nick Sinclair said there was a call for more.

"We’ve talked to a lot of different people within the community that had been looking for something a little bit different," Sinclair said.

For the hundreds of people who attended, there was entertainment every hour, including drag queen Blonde Vanity.

“Having Pride Month gives us a chance to highlight local queer artists and just a chance to do more fun like this," Vanity said.

Plus, food, drinks and shopping, all from LGBTQ+-owned businesses.

“It highlights the community, it highlights LGBTQ+ visibility," Vanity said.

“It’s not just about, 'Oh, let’s all come out and have a good time,'" Sinclair said. "We’re trying to give people a platform, put a spotlight on this community. And, you know, it’s my community, so we’re here.”

As for next year, Sinclair said this year was just the beginning.

"Next year, who knows how big this event can grow," Sinclair said.

“Beyond even just celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, doesn’t matter who you are, get out there and do something that makes you happy," Vanity said.

Next weekend is the Columbus Pride Parade which starts Downtown and goes through the Short North.