The third part of the St. Pete Pride celebration is underway and drawing thousands of people.

Expected to draw 50,000 people, according to organizers, the St. Pete Pride Festival is taking place in city's Grand Central District. Some 350 exhibitors have lined both sides of Central Avenue for six blocks, offering food and beverages, artists, community outreach groups, nonprofit organizations and Pride-themed merchandisers.

The event started at 11 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m.

Those attending should know they can't bring alcohol, skates, fireworks or pets.

St. Pete Pride opened with a concert Friday night and continued with a block party and night parade Saturday.


People picked their seats for the parade early on Saturday. (PHOTO/Cheryl Glassford, Staff)

Wedding during St. Pete Pride takes on extra meaning

Couple Kacey Frierson and Chwanda Nixon said it’s been a long road to get to this point. Their wedding ceremony in a St. Petersburg park Saturday afternoon was actually the pair’s 15th wedding ceremony in as many states.

However, it was the first one since a Supreme Court ruling made gay marriage a right nationwide.

The two have been traveling the country since 2012 to bring attention to the issue most close to their hearts.

"It just wasn't equal so it was frustrating not being able to be like everybody else," said Chwanda.

They were already on their way to St. Pete for the ceremony from their home in Georgia when they heard the news.

"We were actually on our way to Wal-Mart to get some stuff to come here. I started crying," said Kacey.

Saturday they said their vows once again; the same words, but different.

"It's more special today because it's recognizable no matter what. After yesterday no matter what, we're recognized. "

The two still plan to finish their goal of traveling to every state for a ceremony, but they said now they can take their time.

The ceremony was put together by organizers with Loud Mouth Radio and May Day Equality.

St. Petersburg city council member Steve Kornell also attended the ceremony, and proclaimed June 27, 2015 as “No Ordinary Love LBGTQ  Day” in St. Pete.