JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It was a day of community and entertainment at the Jax River City Pride Festival in Riverside Park on Saturday.
There was a mix of local artists, nonprofits, sponsors and food vendors, plus a family zone with fun for all ages.
Jax River City Pride Festival 2025 (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
“I’m here celebrating pride and love and just equality,” Sondra Brothers said. “We’re all human. We all believe the same. Just love everybody and be kind.”
Peggy Schiller and Pat Bauer were at the festival giving “Free Mom Hugs” to anyone who wanted one.
“One woman cried because she wished her mom would have been like me,” Schiller said. And that made me cry myself.”
As she was telling that story, someone walked up to Schiller and asked for a hug.
Peggy Schiller giving out “Free Mom Hugs” at the Jax River City Pride Festival. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
“I feel loved and accepted in a community where we all should be accepted, loved by everyone,” they said.
Peggy Schiller’s husband, Scott Schiller, said everyone needs hugs.
“Just take care of one another and be you,” he said.
The parade is a 1.5 mile celebration through Jacksonville’s Historic Avondale, Riverside, and 5 Points neighborhoods. It will kick off on Sunday at the Historic Willow Branch Park, the site of Jacksonville’s first LGBT Pride Picnic in 1978.
Click here for Jax River City Pride’s website.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.