Celebrating Pride @ Stonewall
Under sunny skies and blocks full of rainbow gear, the 8th annual Stonewall Street Festival graced the streets of Wilton Manors. Thousands of South Floridians came out to celebrate and be proud. The festivities began at 11am with the parade, which is always a hit. Floats filled with dancing queens and various community organizations tossed beads and candy galore at the crowd along the sidewalks. Music blared and many of the local restaurants hosted extra outside events, small bars and dancing.
But, this festival was not all about the party. Stonewall also celebrates the gay and lesbian community and its strength in making change. The local businesses that sponsor booths at the festival can vouch to that. Not only were GLBT-owned companies and businesses present, but many others who simply support the community and know the importance of equality. Around 150 booths lined Wilton Drive, and the festival-goers sure enjoyed the variety that ranged from cocktails to jewelry, pet adoption to LGBT magazines.
"It's nice to see the diversity within the crowd," said local resident Daniel Roberts. "Every year it seems to get better and better."
From the parade and the booths, to the entertainment that lasted from noon until 6pm, including such acts as the South Florida Lambda Chorale, the JD Tanner Band and of course the Wigapalooza, there was something for everyone.
This year, the parade grand marshals included the famous Pompano Bill, the President of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus, Michael Albetta and female impersonator, Nikki Adams, who has performed across South Florida for over 30 years.
The festival was sponsored by Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to human rights, education and a better understanding of the GLBT community. The organization formed in the year 2000 in order to produce the Stonewall festival. They wanted to celebrate the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City in 1969. And, have been sharing it with the community ever since.
One factor that stood-out during the afternoon was the families with children at the parade and walking through the festival booths. There were babies in strollers with shirts saying "I love my mommies," and children wearing the many beads and the stickers that were given out during the parade. However, pets seemed to be the favorite to bring along, as doggies with their rainbow collars, leashes and bandanas braved the heat and celebrated their proud owners.
"It is so great to see this many people, in this heat coming out to support such a powerful focus - and of course having fun," said Julie Santos, who lives near Wilton Manors.
The Stonewall Street Festival brought everyone together to celebrate Pride. As the famous rainbow flag ended the parade and community participants proudly carried it down Wilton Drive, we celebrate another year filled with Pride events across the county that only gets stronger.