St. Petesburg Mayor Rick Kriseman will be the first mayor in the city’s history to march in the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Parade.

The parade kicks off at Georgi’s Alibi on 31st Street North on Saturday at dusk.

Mayor Kriseman said he decided to join in on the parade because it’s time the city’s LGBT community gets the recognition it deserves.

Parade organizers couldn't be happier.

"It's a very prideful moment to know that there's someone in that high of a level of office, that's able to stand there and walk beside you," said Eric Skains of St. Pete Pride.

It's not just Kriseman who will be representing the city. For the first time, St. Petersburg police officers and firefighters will be allowed to dress in uniform and march, along with other city employees.

"The LGBT community has had a significant impact on this city and for a long time that impact really hasn't been recognized," said Mayor Kriseman.

Studies say St. Pete Pride draws an estimated 120,000 people every year and brings in more than $10 million into the local economy.

Organizers say the parade is not just about sexual orientation.

"Regardless of what someone's opinions may be on someone being gay or not, you know, the event in and of itself is a huge economic driver," said Skains.

Two years ago, Pride brought in nearly $11 million and as many as 30,000 visitors.

"It's all about people supporting each other, regardless of any difference," said Wendy Kelly.

"I think to have that shows the diversity, now that is acceptable and I think it's going to be a great time," said James McNeely.

The mayor and city employees aside, organizers said this is not just about pride or the parade. They said it’s about the freedom of choice.

"All those times you're told you can't do this, you can't do that,” said Skains. “Now the one day of the year you can do that."

The parade typically kicks off on Saturday morning but this year because of the heat, it will begin at sunset.

As for the annual festival, it will be held on Central Avenue from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Thursday morning, Mayor Kriseman will raise the pride flag at City Hall.