Final preparations underway as DC expects to welcome big crowds for WorldPride
WASHINGTON () — As the main weekend of WorldPride inches closer, those around the District are making their final preparations to welcome the millions of people expected to visit D.C.
'I'm feeling really excited. I'm a little tired because we've been out here the last couple of weeks painting as much as we can,' said Lisa Marie Thalhammer, who was painting on 17th Street Thursday.
Thalhammer has worked on several murals across the DMV ahead of WorldPride.
The latest is a rainbow and star runway in Dupont.
'I hope people come out and fill their lives with the color and that it's just the joy, and it's kind of the medicine I feel like everyone needs,' she said. 'A little bit of color, a little bit of creativity, a little bit of joy.'
She also hopes the murals will welcome visitors from out of town.
Visitors like Jon McClain.
'I think it's cool, I appreciate everyone who is doing it,' said McClain, who stopped to take a picture of the artwork. 'I appreciate what they're doing to make it friendly and inviting.'
McClain is in town from San Francisco to visit friends and attend WorldPride. It's his first WorldPride, though he's attended other Pride festivals.
'I haven't been around any negativity so I'm hoping to see that continue, especially being in a city where it's been a little bit divisive,' he said.
Metro unveils new design, extends service for WorldPride
The current political climate has been a concern for organizers and city officials, with some LGBTQ organizations issuing a warning to international travelers for WorldPride.
'It wasn't a concern of mine, but I was curious if there was going to be less people here or not. So, I don't know if we're going to get the full effect of what WorldPride normally is,' said McClain.
Last month, Destination DC CEO Elliot Ferguson admitted the political climate was having an impact on expected turnout.
'The rhetoric has made a difference in a negative way,' Ferguson said on May 5. 'I think as we were looking at our hotel community, we hoped by now, they'd be sold out.'
At the time, hotel occupancy was 10% below projections.
As of May 28, officials with Destination DC said hotel occupancy is 4% below where it was for Pride last year. Though, they also stated more hotels have opened across the District since last year.
Tickets for the WorldPride Music Festival are 99% sold out, and the organizers of the Capital Cup Supporting Festival met their goal of 3,000 athletes participating.
Meanwhile, questions still remain on whether or not Dupont Circle will be open for the weekend.
Originally, the National Park Service starting Thursday in order to prevent vandalism of the park, which happened in years prior. Anti-scale fencing was expected to go up around the perimeter through Monday.
However, that decision was quickly reversed after public backlash.
Uncertainty lingers over Dupont Circle's status ahead of WorldPride Parade
D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith to close the park after 'hearing from community leaders and residents.'
NPS and U.S. Park Police have not confirmed if the park will remain open, though as of Thursday afternoon, no fencing was seen.
'I remember Dupont, there was a parade and a march here in Dupont,' said Brian Piscalko, who is visiting DC for WorldPride. 'I think historically, this is where people have gathered in this area. Now with millions of people descending on the city I think it's going to be phenomenal.'
Piscalko said attending WorldPride this year is more important than ever.
'I think this pride is really important just because of the climate,' he said. 'With the world focusing on D.C., I'm really proud to be here.'
Metro will begin operating extended hours for WorldPride on Friday. Trains will run from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
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