The rainbow flag is flying high in Windsor City Hall Square marking the official start of the Windsor-Essex Pride Festival.
Organizers say the flag raising is important for the festival to recognize the inclusiveness of the community.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says he wants the city to be an ally to the LGBTQ community.
"There are still some in the community who don't get it. They're not looking to build the inclusive community, they're looking to put up walls and barriers and as mayor of the city I'm looking to take down those walls and barriers," says Dilkens.
President of Windsor-Essex Pride David Lenz says he has no concerns for the safety of festival goers in light of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.
"The City of Windsor and us work pretty well together as far as making sure everything is covered as far as security, police, all those kinds of things so I'm pretty confident with our festival moving forward," says Lenz
The Pride Festival includes a comedy show Friday night, parties at Revival and the Pride Parade on Sunday. For full details visit their website.
