"An absolutely huge number of people saw the Mardi Gras. I don't think anyone was expecting such a big turnout," he said.

"I've got no idea how many people were there; some are saying 10,000 and it could have been 12,000.

"It just goes to show what a compassionate, caring and considerate society that we live in."

Wagga City Council was one of the event's two major sponsors and council staff had an official parade float.

Cr Conkey said he hoped the council would continue to lend its support.

"It's such a huge event that I'm sure Wagga council would look at any further support on a favourable basis," he said.

"I am only one of nine votes on council but it was such an outstanding success, with full credit to the organisers, that if a proposal came up to support it again, I would be very much in favour of it."

"Hopefully a majority of councillors would too."

Rainbow Riverina thanked the Mardi Gras participants and spectators for an "amazing day".

"What a fantastic celebration and an amazing turnout to see Wagga's first Mardi Gras," the group posted on Facebook.

Mardi Gras organiser Holly Conroy did not respond to a request to comment prior to publication.

Riverina MP Michael McCormack said he was unable to attend the Mardi Gras as he had a prior commitment in Queensland as infrastructure minister.

"I heard it was a great event; I heard there were thousands of people and good on them," he said.

"I heard they had a great celebration and I wish them well and I'm sure given the success of the event it will be held again and again for many years to come."

Several attendees at the Mardi Gras carried posters with an image of Mr McCormack and the slogan 'Mardi Mike', apparently in reference to his notorious anti-gay editorial published in 1993.

Mr McCormack has repeatedly apologised for the editorial in subsequent years.