SAN DIEGO – Several thousand people – families holding hands with their children, couples hugging, folks walking with their dogs, and many chanting slogans extolling equal rights -- flocked to Hillcrest late Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the historic legal ruling that struck down California’s Proposition 8 law banning same-sex marriage.

Many gathered at Sixth and University in the gayborhood for a 6 p.m. march down University to The Center, where a Town Hall meeting was scheduled at 7 p.m. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders was among the dignitaries in attendance.

The westbound lanes of University were temporarily closed for the marchers, who were led by a San Diego patrol car. The line of marchers stretched about five blocks long. Along University, the bars, restaurants and cafes were packed with enthusiastic customers who cheered, clapped and gave thumbs-up signs to the marchers.

Carrying rainbow flags and waving hand-painted posters, the marchers expressed the joy of the moment. Drivers on the opposite side of University honked horns and yelled their support out open car windows.

Overhead, helicopters from local TV stations hovered, broadcasting live during news telecasts.

A Baja Betty’s employee enthusiastically waved from the sidewalk, taking a break from work, and asking not to be named. “ Back in 2008, we didn’t think we would see this day. But here it is. It’s wonderful. It’s amazing. I had to see to take a break and see this parade.”

Jennifer Shoemaker, a member of the North County LGBT Coalition, was among the marchers.

“We have been working and hoping, and praying for this, and working hard. We knew the day would come, either today, or tomorrow, but today feels really damn good!” she said.

The coalition’s president, Max Disposti, was overjoyed.

“I am enthusiastic. We have been waiting for this, and like she said, we didn’t know when but we knew it was coming,” Disposti said. “Today we got back our dignity.”

Another marcher named Jim, who said he was a member of St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego, was gleeful.

“It’s just wonderful,” he said. “I knew this day would come. It’s a day of freedom.”