ABOVE: Photo via Venice Pride’s Facebook page.
Venice, Fla. | Venice Pride will hold a car parade in lieu of a festival for its third annual celebration Nov. 7, a socially distanced response to COVID-19.
Venice Pride was established in 2018, incorporated in 2019 and obtained its nonprofit status this year. It seeks to increase advocate for the wellbeing of the LGBTQ community and its allies in Venice and surrounding areas.
“Ride for Pride” will be held from 1-3 p.m., beginning in the parking lot of event sponsor SunCoast Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). Individuals and sponsors are asked to register their tastefully-decorated vehicles by Nov. 1.
Everyone is welcome to participate but registration is required. Each vehicle is $25.00, though local high school students are free.
“Visibility is still on the agenda of our LGBTQ community!” Venice Pride President Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson shared Nov. 22. “Come out and ‘Ride for Pride’ this year in Venice, Florida as we make the statement that COVID-19 does not end our struggle for full inclusion. It will be great to see you, even if we cannot hug you. Get out of the house and into the parade.”
“We are excited to sponsor the ‘Ride for Pride’ event,” Suncoast MCC Senior Co-Pastor Rev. Vickie Miller also said in a statement.
“This year we could all use a little celebration and by taking Venice Pride 2020 to the streets of Venice, we hope to bring joy and festivity to our city in a safe way,” she continued. “Please come to either participate in the parade or to show your love and support for diversity and unity from the sidelines!”
“Ride for Pride” participants will gather Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at SunCoast MCC, located at 3276 E. Venice Ave. in Venice. To register or for more information, visit VeniceFLPride.com.
