MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pride month may be over, but the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is still going strong in Berks County.
People gathered this afternoon at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township for the 20th annual Berks Pride Fest.
There was food, live music, craft vendors and more.
We spoke to a member of the support group Free Mom Hugs, who says what seems like a small gesture can make a world of difference for someone who doesn’t feel accepted.
“A hug does seem very simple but everybody needs a hug and they are actually shown to reduce blood pressure and improve mental health and even if it’s just knowing that a high-five or fist bump is gonna make you know that somebody cares about you, that’s what our goal is,” said Kathleen Donohue of Free Mom Hugs.
Organizers say it’s the oldest and largest festival of its kind in Berks County.