Baton Rouge Pride Fest takes over the River Center on Saturday [Video]

BATON ROUGE – Thousands made their way to the Raisin’ Canes River Center Saturday afternoon for the annual Baton Rouge Pride Fest.

The fest has grown every year. What originally started out as just a picnic has now become so large the event moved to the River Center. A few years down the road, they even hope to add a parade to the festivities.

Pride Fest has always been about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, organizers say but it also acts as a resource fair.

The fest has also given a lot of small businesses their big boost over the years. This year dozens of local shops set up stands. Artist Abe Negaran had his creations on display. 

“Everything here (on the stand) is hand painted with toothpicks. I take a toothpick, dip it in paint, and then I free hand my design.” Negaran said.

Various organizations like ExxonMobil, iHeart Media …