A colourful celebration of inclusivity took place in Okotoks yesterday.

The first annual Pride in the Park event featured a market, musical performances and food vendors.

Okotoks United Church Reverend Julia Kimmett says an event like Pride in the Park can help increase acceptance of people's love for each other.

"We believe in people loving each other," Kimmett explains. "And what's wrong with people loving each other? ...We're here to support this event, the first event in Okotoks, and happy to do it."

The booth set up by Kimmett and a group from the United Church was just one of many colourful displays of support set up around the edges of Ethel Tucker Park Saturday afternoon. Music played throughout the day and the event featured entertainment by drag performers as well.

Dianne and Glenn Lynch attended the event with their sons Jalen and Keegan and had rainbow-printed shirts made up especially for the day.

"We think supporting diversity and love, especially right now in the world where things can get so ugly and hate has gotten so loud, we really wanted to make sure that our words of love and our support of love is louder than the hate that's out there right now," Dianne says.

Hundreds of people showed up to the event and organizer Marissa Johnston says she was happy with the day. She says the event was intended to promote the idea that love is love and to welcome all families with a community-focused celebration.

"Even though there were a couple of people, and literally, a couple who were upset, a lot of the community was happy to have this event, as you can see from the turnout," Johnston says.

Tracey Wallace attended the event with her partner Laura Milne and points out that events like Pride in the Park celebrate the idea of acceptance of all types of families who are living their lives and often working to raise children in loving, supportive homes.

"We're just a regular family," she says. "I think that's just a really good thing to see. That it's not necessarily all about the sometimes crazy pride parades that are sometimes really flashy and garrish, it's a lot about just really  regular people, too. So I think it lends a different idea to what gay is about."

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com