LGBT Pride returned with a vengeance Halloween weekend when more than 3,500 people descended upon J.B. Hamel Park along the city’s downtown waterfront.
Oct. 30 marked the first time that Sarasota Pride was held outdoors and in public view. More than 50 vendors set up booths while diverse groups performed on a stage across Main Street.
“I am so proud of our LGBT community and everyone who came out to support and participate in a day of history for Sarasota,” said Cindy Barnes, pride chairwoman and organizer of the event. “We had families, both straight and gay, parents of the entertainers, city officials and just people interested in enjoying the diversity we have in Sarasota.”
Barnes said she ran into her neighbor during the festival, and that neighbor had no idea of Barnes’ involvement with the organization.
The noon to 6 p.m. festival escaped any police incidents and saw a relatively mellow crowd in the streets. A dunking booth near the stage drew laughs (and a few impressive arms!) while children and adults danced to the music coming from the stage.
“We’ve needed this for a really long time,” said Miranda Franklin, who attended the festival with her girlfriend. Franklin also brought her daughter. “The day is beautiful, the people are friendly and I can walk down the street holding my girlfriend’s hand while listening to great music. I’m so happy.”
Franklin wasn’t alone. Couples of all ages took part in the festivities as did singles. Several members of the Ringling College Gay/Straight Alliance were on hand and two young me walked throughout the festival holding signs promoting “Free Hugs.” Many took the pair up on the offer.
Even with the unseasonably warm temperature reaching the mid-80s, there were very few complaints about the festival, except for concerns crossing Main Street. With the performers on a stage away from the vendor area, festival-goers had to wait for oncoming traffic to yield to pedestrians.
Barnes said she is already planning to avoid that in 2011.
“I spent a couple of hours down at the site [Monday] morning to plan a more efficient layout for next year,” Barnes said. “Everything will be on one side of the street where the park vendors were set up this year. We’ll also have the Palm Avenue Parking lot next year to solve all parking concerns.”
Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner, who was supposed to deliver opening remarks at noon, was late because he had difficulty finding parking.
Barnes rates the inaugural outdoor festival as a success and said the feedback she’s received has been mostly positive and people are thankful for an outdoor venue.
Marc Romanski was excited to have the street fair available to him this year.
“This feels like St. Pete Pride, which is always so impressive,” Romanski said. “This is smaller, sure, but it’s a start and I can only expect it to get bigger and better with each passing year.
Barnes hopes to see the festival grow too. She’s already planning on several events throughout the year to assist in fundraising.
For more information on Sarasota Pride or to offer assistance in fundraising, visit SarasotaPride.org.
