GALLERY: Sights and sounds from DC's Capital Pride Parade

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — People of all ages, and pets, too, lined the DC Capital Pride Parade's 1.5-mile route Saturday. The parade included dozens of corporate floats, community organizations, musical groups and politicians.

"We came down on Friday and we'll leave sometime tomorrow afternoon. So, we're going to make a weekend of it," said Amanda Carlini, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

RELATED: DC braces for massive crowds, big business, and good times as Pride events return

Carlini and her girlfriend, Natalie Lavarr, of Baltimore, were eagerly awaiting the start of the more than three-hour-long parade, which got underway at 3 p.m.

"I just like to see all the dancers and all the music and stuff. It's a good energy. It's nice to see that good things still happen."

This was DC's first official Pride Parade since COVID-19 entered the world in March 2020.

"I think after the pandemic, everyone is ready to celebrate," said Brad Howard, a DC resident of 15 years. "It's just good time for the city to come together. There's a lot of stuff going on in the country at the moment, but at least we can celebrate who we are and being an inclusive community."

Saturday's weather was spot on – not too hot, not too chilly and the rain held off.

"I've been to smaller ones, but like this is like such good energy," Carlini added. "There are tons of people and everybody seems happy and enjoying themselves. Even in the neighborhoods, people as we are walking by their houses, people have their flags out and are like, 'hey!' There is one little kid selling lemonade. Yeah, it's really sweet."

Within 30 minutes of the last float, DC Police, forklift operators and other city services began clearing the parade route to re-open it to normal traffic following an electric day.