COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--It's all hands on deck for the Columbus Division of Police, for this year's Pride Festival and Parade downtown.
An estimated half-million people are expected to attend Saturday's parade, one of the largest events of its kind in the country.
CPD Lieutenant Nick Konves says officers will be out on bike patrols, on horseback, and even in plain clothes to make sure everyone is safe and having a great time.
He also tells attendees to go ahead and stop and say hi to officers that are on duty, since this is one of their favorite events to work as well.
Lt. Konves says the one-way text alert system is returning this year, as well. To opt in, text "PRIDE" TO 888777. Konves adds that that is not a two-way system, so festival-goers should still call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
AJ Casey, with Stonewall Columbus, says Columbus is one of the top 7 Pride destinations in the country, and is even more popular than San Francisco.