Community event in Rosemary District draws all ages with local entertainment, vendors, local resource organizations, child-friendly activities, food and dance party
Local LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit Project Pride SRQ and its partners say in a news release that they were thrilled to “Carry Pride Forward” during the recent Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party.
“Attendees of all ages enjoyed the expanded, multi-block footprint in Sarasota’s Rosemary District”; organizers estimate the attendance over the course of the day between 4,000 and 5,000, the release notes.
“The afternoon festival featured local vendors, community resource organizations, food available for purchase, a Pup Pride Pit Stop, the interactive Pride Arch installation, and live entertainment,” the release adds. Further, Big Waters Land Trust presented Rooted in Pride, “connecting native plants with joy, courage, belonging and resilience, and FAB Arts brought its 0-99 exhibit to the event,” the release continues.
Additionally, “Project Pride and WSLR + Fogartyville collaborated on a story booth collaboration called Voices We Carry, and children were provided with a soccer station, hula hoops, rock painting and other activities in the YMCA Family Zone, which was presented by the Sarasota City YMCA, ALSO Youth and Ability to Include.
The entertainment featured “host and performer Adriana Sparkle, showcases by Ringling College students, Azara Ballet, Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, guitarist PZ, vocalist Aaron Kelly,” and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the release notes.
Moreover, during the afternoon’s festivities, “Project Pride SRQ recognized its inaugural Pride Honoree, Dame Lindsay Carlton-Cline,” the release says.
From 8 to 11 p.m., SRQ Beats produced the DJ-led Pride Street Party in Pride Plaza, the release adds.
“Seeing our community come together for Gulfcoast Pride was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people and organizations work toward a shared vision,” said Project Pride SRQ Executive Director Justyn Hunter-Ceruti in the release. “The energy, joy and connections throughout the day showed us how much our community values spaces where everyone can belong,” he added. “We’re excited to carry that momentum forward through Project Pride’s year-round programs and partnerships.”
Hunter-Ceruti also noted that the revised footprint helped to create a welcoming experience throughout the event for guests and the approximately 75 vendors, the release says.
“Visit ppsrq.org for more information about the organization’s ongoing programs and upcoming events,” the release adds.
“Project Pride SRQ is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments towards a shared goal,” the release explains.