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add bit on Fr. Monk and counterdemonstrations, again feel free to copyedit for NPOV
In [[2004]], the gay and lesbian events drew as many as 60,000 visitors per year. Later that year, [[Hurricane Ivan]] damaged the businesses and infrastructure on Pensacola Beach, causing a tourism decline in subsequent years, but by [[2007]] an estimated 50,000 tourists arrived for Memorial Day Weekend.<ref>"Hotels filling fast for holiday weekend." ''Pensacola News Journal'', May 24, 2007.</ref>
Gay and lesbian patrons of [[Emerald City]] and the annual [[Abracadabra]] party are frequently met with demonstrators from local Christian groups, ranging from peaceful hymn singers to vitriolic open-air preachers to individuals displaying placards with a variety of inflammatory messages. In recent years, other groups have held counter-demonstrations, including Father [[Nathan Monk]], a local Catholic reverend, and his followers, whose placards preach tolerance and acceptance.
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