SALISBURY — Salisbury Pride Inc. will sponsor the seventh annual Salisbury Pride celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 24 in downtown Salisbury.

Organizers say this year’s celebration will feature Salisbury’s gay and straight business community; national supporting businesses; nonprofit organizations; service agencies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people; and civic groups and churches.

PrideFest organizers say it is a celebration of diversity and inclusion. It is open to everyone. Organizers expect some 4,000 people to attend.

PrideFest chairwoman Beth Meadows said part of Salisbury Pride’s mission is to provide positive visibility in and around the community, create a safe environment for the expression of diverse perspectives and encourage cultivate harmony in the community.

“Our commitment to Salisbury and the community continues to grow,” Meadows said. “This past year we sponsored the Trans Conversation and Educational Forum, which drew a larger-than-expected crowd. This forum has led us to be called on by groups and individuals looking for more information for those families facing issues related to LGBTQ identity.”

Meadows said Salisbury Pride wants to continue, through open forums, to inform the public on issues facing the LGBTQ community.

“The tragedy in Orlando in 2016 was a stark reminder of the need for more communication and education,” she said.

A year ago, a gunman killed 49 people and wounded 58 others in an attack inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Vendors, local businesses, and civic and nonprofit organizations interested in setting up booths at PrideFest can sign up online at www.salisburypride.com.