Florida's Largest PrideFest Kicks off June 24 in St. Pete

With more than 80,000 attendees St. Pete Pride bills itself as the largest pride celebration in Florida and one of the largest in the Southeast. By comparison this year's Miami Beach PrideFest hosted about 35,000 people.

"One of the important things to remember about St. Pete Pride is that we are a part of the community all year round. SPP works with organizations in the Tampa Bay area and throughout the state to ensure that we are working toward our mission of promoting visibility, unity and self-esteem of and among the entire LGBT community," explained Executive Director Chris Rudisill. "Aesthetically, St. Pete Pride offers a unique "street fair" atmosphere that separates it from traditional festivals and events."

This year's celebration takes place Thursday, June 24 though Sunday, June 26. The festival opens with the Stonewall Commemorative Reception on Thursday; the Pride in Fashion and Jagermeister Pre-Party on Friday; the 9th Annual Street Festival and Promenade, ICE Party, and Heatwave Party for Women on Saturday, and the Tropical T-Dance closes the celebration on Sunday.

"We're adding misting fans, moving the main stage area to the corner of 21st Street, bringing in two food courts with added shaded seating and more," Rudisill said of this year's changes. "One of the big changes this year though is that we're moving the parade back one hour to 9 a.m. The Street Festival will run through 3 p.m. following the promenade through the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg."

Other highlights include the Pride in Fashion event being hosted by the flamboyant two-time Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir and long-time gay activist and founder of the MCC Church, Rev. Troy Perry as this year's grand marshal.

Visit StPetePride.com for more information.