Hundreds gather for Amherst's first Pride parade
'Our town has definitely shifted in the way that it feels and it has grown a lot,' says Corey Hunter
Corey Hunter was overwhelmed with emotions Saturday as her hometown of Amherst, N.S., held its first Pride parade.
Estimates varied, but between 400 and 800 people showed up for the event.
"To me, it's a sign of solidarity and unity," said Hunter, an LGBTQ activist who served as the grand marshall of the parade.
She said a lot has changed in Amherst over the years, noting that when she was growing up, gay-straight alliances didn't exist at local schools and transgender people like Caitlyn Jenner weren't on the covers of major magazines.
"Our town has definitely shifted in the way that it feels and it has grown a lot," said Hunter.
Officials say people came from across the region to attend the parade, which was followed by an after-party in Victoria Square.
One of the attendees was Sue Gallant from Sackville, N.B.
"I thought I'd come out and support them and have some fun and make some noise," she said, adding this was the first Pride parade she'd ever attended.
With files from Jason Vermes