The small Manitoba city of Portage la Prairie marched in solidarity in its first Pride March Saturday.

The community of 13,000 transformed from Portage la Prairie into Portage la Proud, as people of all ages celebrated LGBTTQ rights.

Manitoba RCMP say between 800 and 1,000 people attended the event.

“This is way overdue, and I'm so glad to be able to march and share my pride in my own city," said Lynn Miller who marched with her daughter, and her partner of six years, Ana Resendes.

From the streets to the sidelines people came out wearing their brightest colours, and offering their support.

“I think mayors should be doing more than fixing potholes,” Ferris told the crowd.

“This is awesome. This is good for the future,” said Greg Lavalee who came to watch the march with his son.

A large turnout, showing even in small corners of Canada, LGBTTQ communities exist and are strong.

“It's just really important to show acceptance and the growth in small communities, because I think there is a lot of stigma that surrounds small places that have that old school mentality, and obviously times are changing," said organizer William Garrioch.

The Pride March also got people sharing stories about family and talking about the future.

READ MORE: 'Time people recognize diversity': pride organizer, ahead of historic day

Trudy Karlson lives in Portage la Prairie. She marched for her two uncles who live in Ontario and have been together for 50 years.

The Chan family moved from Winnipeg to Portage la Prairie after experiencing discrimination. Mother Ashley Chan has a trans partner and trans child.

"Ever since I moved here it's been accepting, and I have not had any issues, so this is even more of an incentive to live here," said Chan on the large turnout of the march.

Unlike Steinbach, Portage la Prairie’s mayor, Irvine Ferris spoke at the gathering and walked the route.

Steinbach city council never officially endorsed the march on July 9, and organizers were told people would have to stick to the sidewalk because of safety concerns and construction.

Manitoba RCMP helped Steinbach Pride secure a route so people could walk through the streets. Officers also joined the march and provided resources to ensure safety.

"One of the greatest highlights of the planning stages so far, is that Portage la Prairie Mayor Irvine Ferris will be proudly speaking at the rally, and walking in the march," organizers said.

Premier Brian Pallister said Wednesday he was honoured to receive an invitation to the march, but couldn't attend, and would be spending time with family. 

Members of the Progressive Conservative caucus attended the event.