Tampa Pride set for March in Ybor
A version of Tampa Pride is returning to Hillsborough County in 2015! According to Carrie West of MC Film in Ybor City, Tampa Pride will happen on March 28, 2015, along 7th Avenue in Ybor City. The street festival will incorporate a parade along the historic roadway during the afternoon, which gives local bartenders and entertainers time to rest up from the previous night’s activities. Details aren’t finalized just yet, but West was excited to share the news with Watermark during the July 19 NeighBearHood Takeover party at The Social in Ybor City. Expect a lot of details to start hitting the media and soon, ways to register floats and vendor booths will be available online. We’ll keep you posted!
Speedos and bras
While we are still definitely in the dog days of summer (where’s the A/C?), it’s never too early to think about the holidays or, more specifically, fundraising programs over the cooler months. Jay Aller, outreach coordinator for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, announced July 27 that this year’s Santa Speedo Run is set to return to Ybor City Dec. 14, and will incorporate Mrs. Claus in Bras. The newly expanded title of the one-mile run, Santa Speedo Run and Mrs. Claus in Bras, will hopefully increase female participation in the fundraiser. Last year, more than 150 people turned out for the run, which begins and ends in Centennial Park in Ybor City. Aller also announced the identity of of this year’s chairperson of the event—Watermark editor Steve Blanchard.
Strike Out for AIDS turns 8!
The annual bowling benefit for the Francis House is upon us again, marking eight years of Strike Out for AIDS. The fun bowl returns to Pinchasers in Tampa on August 16 from 6-9 p.m. Registration fees are only $35 per person and $140 per team. If you don’t have a team, Francis House will build a team for you and give you an opportunity to win some prizes, including a $10,000 jackpot! Interestingly, the bowl coincides with Francis House’s move into a new building, which will help it better serve its clients in Hillsborough county. Check out StrikeOutForAIDS.org for info and to register, or call Joy Winheim at 813-237-3066.
Break out the Christmas sweaters
Okay, we realize it’s 90-plus degrees outside, but it’s important to stick to the theme of a Christmas party in the summer. That’s exactly what’s going on at Cream Thursdays at Ivory Lounge in Sarasota on July 31. The fundraiser’s Christmas in July mixer will be decorated to the hilt in reds and greens and expect a Christmas tree or seven to deck the halls. Hostess Chyna Nicole will no-doubt be fabulously festive and those attending are encouraged to keep with the spirit of Christmas. If a sweater is too warm for you, wear a red and green tank or a red tank with some green shorts. Just keep it holiday-themed, got it? The Ivory Lounge is at 1413 Main Street in Sarasota. Cream Thursday is organized by Sarasota man-about-town Josh Beadle, who is always planning the next big celebration. Visit Cream Thursdays on Facebook for more details.
