(INDIANAPOLIS, In.) - The rain and storms put a temporary damper on the largest Pride festival in the state of Indiana, evacuating an estimated 30,000 people from Military Park, for a good hour.
But, as we learned, you can’t put a forecast on love.
"No weather can stop love!" exclaimed one festival go-er.
That seemed to be the theme of the day for Indy Pride Festival 2018.
"The weather took a turn for the worse, but it's okay because I've got all my friends on my birthday," said DaeQuan Quinn, who went to Saturday’s festival.
With a mandatory evacuation put in place just after one-o-clock Saturday afternoon, fest-goers scrambled for cover.
"As soon as we get outside, all of the wind started coming out, and it was like a little pride tornado. Grass was in my beer, and we couldn't stand up straight, so we had to walk back in," said Adrianne Byers, who seeked shelter in the nearby Friday’s downtown.
Indy Pride Executive Director Chris Handberg told RTV6 that at first, the evacuation was voluntary, however, once a funnel cloud was spotted, those evacuations became mandatory.
“We had stations set up at the Eiteljorg, the State museum, IUPUI opened up their doors to us,” said Handberg.
PHOTOS | Hoosiers out in force for Indy Pride
But, despite the storms, fest guests say, they won't let that ruin their pride.
"Rain, shine, snow, wind, tornado four miles away. We are going to stick around for pride, it doesn't matter,” said Veronica Zaragoza.
The inclement weather and evacuation actually seemed to have had the opposite effect on the crowd.
"We noticed an uptick in people coming. I think people were excited, they were waiting. Every gate was packed full. We opened them, and the flood gates came. And now people are back, enjoying themselves. Laughing, drinking, dancing, it's fantastic,” said Handberg.
A light (or sunshine!) at the end of the stormy tunnel.
"We're not worried. Nobody needs to be worried at all," said Natalie Marsho, a festival attendee.
And a city, learning to open up and be inclusive to all, no matter the forecast.
"We need to spread our wings and just gather up love and just be love throughout the city. It doesn't matter who you are or what you do. Love," said Marsho.
The Indy Pride Festival kicked off Saturday morning with a parade.
Handberg said he expects the attendance for this year’s Indy Pride Festival to break the 50,000 mark.
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