Rainbow flies over City Hall (13 photos)

It was an emotional morning for members and supporters of Sault Ste. Marie's LGBTQ community as Sault Pridefest 2014 hosted the first annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall.

A slightly choked up Teddy Syrette, a Sault Pridefest event organizer, told SooToday.com that the significance of raising the rainbow flag over City Hall is almost immeasurable to members of our LGBTQ community, and he is proud of and overwhelmed by the support shown towards Pridefest.

When asked what the rainbow flag represented, three-year-old Jett Jones summed it up perfectly with: "It's about loving whoever you want."

Invited to attend but otherwise engaged with previous commitments, Sault Ste. Marie MP Bryan Hayes offered event organizers a written statement of congratulations.

"I am please to extend my congratulations to the organizers and volunteers whose contribution made the festival possible and would like to wish all Sault Ste. Marie Pride participants a successful and enjoyable celebration," Hayes wrote.

Sault Pridefest 2014 continues today with free film screenings at the Grand Theatre, 641 Queen St. East starting at 1 p.m.

Being shown are Cloudburst and I Know a Place.

I Know a Place is a 30-minute documentary short by Roy Mitchell about Bob Goddere and the dances he often hosted for the local LGBTQ community.

Algoma's Water Tower Inn will host a Sault Pride Pub Night this evening as Adam Proulx presents Baker's Dozen - 12 Angry Puppets at 8 p.m.

Live music from Al Wood and the Woodsmen will follow at 9 p.m.

Check for for additional Pridefest 2014 events on the Sault Pride Community's Facebook page or visit the website.

Pictured: Teddy Syrette hugs supporters as emotions ran high during the Sault Pride Community Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall in Sault Ste. Marie, ON on Saturday, September 6, 2014. Donna Hopper/SooToday.com