(Photo via Come OUT St. Pete)
ST. PETERSBURG | Come OUT ST. Pete has announced that their signature Family Day Celebration, originally scheduled for Oct. 14, will now be held Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Seminole Park.
COSP’s seventh annual celebration honoring National Coming Out Day was postponed on Oct. 13. The organization cited “potential uncooperative weather on the horizon” and “lower than expected participation” in a previously scheduled Chili Cook-Off, advising “we wouldn’t be able to provide the vibrant competition and diverse tasting experience that we know our community loves and deserves.”
“This decision was made after careful consideration to the impact of ALL involved in our community, with an ultimate desire for the best possible community experience now and in the future,” COSP Chair Pat Fearns told Watermark at the time.
COSP 2023 will no longer feature the cook-off but will include multiple vendors and performances from fan favorite entertainers. Singer Jennifer Real will perform with additional music provided by DJ Jayson Chancey.
Miss COSP Veronica Vixen and Mr. Silver Foxx, the 2024 COSP Royal Court, will also entertain attendees. They’ll be joined by Christina Moore and Mr. Nasir Love before celebrants unveil the organization’s 375-foot Progress Pride flag at 2:30 p.m.
“Join local vendors and nonprofit organizations as we continue to celebrate a world unified around a culture of hearts and minds that values acceptance, freedom of expression, love & equality for ALL LGBTQIA+ people!” COSP said in a press release. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s Longstreth Family Scholarship and other local endeavors.
“We are excited to continue the annual family day celebration again this year,” Fearns says. “It’s sure to be a great time for the entire greater Tampa Bay LGBTQIA+ community.”
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COSP 2023 will be held Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Seminole Park, located at 2900 Third Ave. N., in St. Petersburg. Learn more at ComeOutSt.Pete.org and read the official 2023 Come OUT St. Pete Guide published by Watermark here.
