A slew of weekend events celebrates St. Petersburg and its acceptance of its gay and lesbian communities.
By MARTY CLEAR
Published June 26, 2003
[The Arts Center]
Stabat Mater, gouache on dichromate print by Lisa Kirksey, part of “Artful Pride.’’
A parade and street festival this weekend will give members of St. Petersburg's gay and lesbian communities a chance to get together in a show of pride.
But organizers say that there's more to Saturday's St. Pete Pride Promenade and Streetfest.
"There's been a lot of discussion nationwide as to whether these events are still necessary in our ongoing struggle for equal rights," said Robert Danielson, a board member of St. Pete Pride. "I would argue that yes, they are necessary. But in this case, the event is as much about our pride in our city as it is about pride in our lifestyle."
The parade and festival are the biggest events in a month of activities around the city. A broad spectrum of community groups, including gay and lesbian organizations, arts groups, major companies, churches and the city, has been part of the celebration. (On June 5, the City Council proclaimed June "Pride Month" in St. Petersburg.)
"We're celebrating diversity, and we're celebrating inclusion," Danielson said. "A lot of the events are geared toward families."
A pride event in St. Petersburg was almost inevitable, Danielson said. The city's gay and lesbian communities have been growing in size and significance. At the same time, St. Petersburg has been evolving into a more dynamic city.
The parade will feature about 60 community organizations, plus a two-block-long pride banner. The parade ends on Central Avenue and 26th Street, the site of the street festival.
Another major event this weekend is the Equality Florida Family Values Picnic at the Pier and Spa Beach. It's the seventh annual edition of the picnic, which is usually held the first weekend of July. Organizers moved it up a week to make it part of St. Pete Pride.
If you go
TODAY
A TASTE OF PRIDE: 7 p.m., Central Thyme Gallery & Restaurant, 2101 Central Ave. Wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment. $25. (727) 328-2585.
FRIDAY
GEORGIE'S ALIBI ST. PETE PRIDE PARTY: 8 p.m., 3100 Third Ave. N. Free. (727) 321-2112.
SATURDAY
ST. PETE PRIDE PROMENADE: 11 a.m. to noon. Starts at Georgie's Alibi, 3100 3rd Ave. N, and proceeds east to 30th Street, then heads south to Central Avenue and east to 26th Street. (727) 328-2585.
ST. PETE PRIDE STREETFEST: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Avenue between 24th and 26th streets.
ST. PETE PRIDE YOUTH PRIDE CELEBRATION AND DANCE: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Walter Fuller Park Recreation Center, 7891 26th Ave. N. Free for ages 14 to 21. Alcohol- and drug-free party with music, dancing and friends. (727) 433-1839.
ARTFUL PRIDE: Saturday through July 3. The Arts Center, 719 Central Ave. Opening reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Exhibition features the work of several prominent St. Petersburg gay and lesbian artists. (727) 822-7872.
SUNDAY
EQUALITY FLORIDA FAMILY VALUES PICNIC: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Pier and Spa Beach, 800 2nd Ave. NE. Food, kids activities, games and entertainment. Picnic lunches are $10. (727) 224-9807.
ST. PETE PRIDE T-DANCE AND FINALE: Begins at 4 p.m., Suncoast Resort, 3000 34th St. S. Live entertainment from Double M and singer Maxine Nightingale. Free. (727) 867-1111.
