Temperatures well into the 90's could not stop thousands from attending an annual LGBT pride event on Saturday, July 23 in Harrisonburg.

Shenandoah Valley Pride was held for the second year at Court Square.

"This is my first time being at the pride festival and it feels great," said Jennie Amison of Harrisonburg.

The event was held one month following the deadly massacre at an Orlando gay nightclub that left dozens dead.

Amison said the festival held extra importance due to a growing sense of unease in the country. "Not just with the Orlando shooting, but with all of the shootings going on in communities, it has put a lot of fear in people," said Amison. "We have to erase that and we can't hide behind fear."

Saturday was also David Gonyer's first time attending pride event. The 19-year-old just moved back home from New York City. "Obviously there's a lot more community because it's an area that [...] has not always been friendly to queer people," said Gonyer. "I think we have really banded together and supported each other."

According to an event organizer, at least 2,500 people attended the festival.

There was also a considerable increase in the number of vendors. "As a community member, I'm here to support all of our friends and family," said Neely Dahl with Quit Now Virginia, who had a booth. "A lot of people have come for the information [and] we've provided the information."