There were numerous security guards on hand and Murphy wore a bulletproof jacket under his shirt all day after being advised to do so by the event’s security team. There was some concern, however, that anti-gay protesters may show up to the event. More than 60 performers plus several DJs also donated their time for the first fest.

Nicole Paige Brooks from Marietta and contestant on last season’s “Rupaul’s Drag Race” was the mistress of ceremonies at her hometown’s first Pride. “The event far exceeded our expectations,” he said. Murphy said more than 1,000 people came to the fest throughout the day. That’s all we’re trying to do.”Ĭlick here for our photo gallery from the event “We hope this festival wipes away that stigma of Marietta being the most anti-gay city in America and just become Marietta. The only thing we can hope for is a bigger one next year,” he said.