Crowds showed up to Washington Park in Newark for the 14th Pride Festival on Sunday.

The parade's organizer says the participation this year has been record-breaking.

"We had a parade leave here from Lincoln Park, we had four floats this year and almost 1,000 marching," said Sharronda Wheeler, president of Newark Price Inc. "I mean, it was fantastic to see the flags coming down Broad Street, the float, people cheering and people on the sidelines cheering us on."

Participants say being at the event makes them feel comfortable being themselves.

"You know you can just come here and be yourself and that's the whole thing," says Newark pride performer, Thagatanegrra. "That's all anybody ever wants is to be themselves, love themselves and be accepted."

The celebration lasted a total of four days.

The parade's organizer tells News 12 it makes her feel proud to see all the love and support.