Hundreds gathered Saturday at Upper Darby High School to celebrate the second annual Upper Darby Pride Festival, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

“It’s a big milestone for the LGBTQ community here in Delaware County,” Kyle McIntyre of UDTJ (Understanding, Devotion, Take Action, Justice) said. Next year it will be Delaware County Pride, McIntyre added.

The event included a Memorial Wall showing the victims of violence in the LGBTQ community, including Matthew Shephard and the Pulse nightclub shooting victims.

The festival started with a march from Beverly Hills Middle School to Upper Darby High School. There were 100 vendors and two food trucks, along with an HIV/STD testing van, a SEPTA bus, and a Mr. Softee and mobile gaming truck.

Performers included Philly Cheer Elite, Balena Canto, other drag queens, musicians, and poets.

The Delaware County chapter of Free Mom Hugs was giving out happy messages and hugs.

“Through events like this, sometimes we have people who haven’t come out yet in their school community or to their family,” said Tish Meijas said. “So, we’re able to experience that firsthand with them and just give them that encouragement. “

Read more at the Daily Times about the Upper Darby Pride Festival.

Here’s short video of the march from Beverly Hills Middle School to the festival at Upper Darby High School.