Perfect weather and flawless organization helped make this year’s annual celebration of National Coming Out Day a huge success.
Last weekend’s OutFest broke attendance records with organizers estimating that around 50,000 people made their way to the Gayborhood Sunday afternoon.
“This was the best OutFest ever,” said Franny Price, event director.
The event also had 150 vendors this year, the most ever, Price said.
The crowds packed in for performances on the main stage at 13th and Locust streets and, despite the record attendance, there were no major issues, Price said. There were a few antigay protesters throughout the festival, but event volunteers worked to block them from guests’ view.
“There were no issues, no complaints, only a few protesters and, all in all, another beautiful day in the Gayborhood,” Price said.
Next year, the festival will celebrate is 25th anniversary. With crowds continuing to expand each year, Price said, organizers are already looking to expand the space for next year’s milestone celebration.
“We’re running out of space” said Price, “but we have the permits to expand to Broad Street, so we’re already considering that option for next year in anticipation of even more growth.”