By John Hayden
For decades, Broadway belters from Barbra Streisand to Lea Michele have implored ‘Don’t rain on my parade.’ For Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival 2023, it wasn’t to be. However, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the people who came out to mix, mingle, and celebrate community.
While not nearly as packed as last year, likely due to thunderstorms and an even gloomier political climate, the thousands that did show up were ready to party. From NE 20th St. by Tropics to The Manor, Wilton Drive was the epicenter of LGBTQIA+ excitement in Florida.
Tents covered much of The Drive, with vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to gym memberships to water filters. They had a captive audience much of the afternoon, as people huddled to get out of the rain because, when it rained it literally poured.
Parade & Party
While rain may have held down attendance, excitement was as high as ever.
Seven stages lined The Drive with the Girls’ Stage at the south end by Bubbles & Pearls. Owner Josie Smith Malave and her alter ego, DJ Lady Snack Daddy, kept the food and the entertainment flowing. “It’s like the song It’s Raining Men, except it’s raining everybody,” she told OutClique.
The parade featured more than 100 entries, with police and politicians in some cars joined by dancers and even some drag entertainers on floats. Perhaps the most fun and visual float was by Pub On the Drive. It featured an old timey carousel with lots of staff and entertainers.
“It turned out great for the drag queens to be on,” Pub owner Mike Connell said from atop the float. “We wish everyone from the Pub a happy Pride regardless of who you are and where you’re from.”
Across the street from the Pub, The Shoppes of Wilton Manors hosted thousands looking to eat, drink, and dance. Besides huddling under the awning during the rain, Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar saw a flow of people coming in and out and was at or near capacity all day.
Across the way, Hunters Nightclub was a party unto itself. A line wrapped around part of the building to get in, while at least a thousand people partied in the parking lot, where a DJ played dance anthems from today and decades past.
It was impossible to miss SunServe’s parade entry. They packed an open air, double decker bus with staff representing youth, seniors, trans healthcare, housing and more. “What we want to do is build a caravan of inclusivity and love,” CEO Tony Lima said from inside the packed bus. “We got the biggest red bus we could find so that we could have a full bus plus a caravan surrounding the bus.”
At Eagle, which is known as a later-in-the-evening club, had a line out the door by 6pm. Owner Chuck was thrilled. “The vibe and energy is really great. I think the rain is going to stop and the energy is building. Everyone is super happy.”
Pups were getting in on the action. At Wag Pride, they were giving out special pride treats and making new friends as lots of first time customers discovered the store. Manager Carlos Kiyatake “It’s very busy, non-stop. I’m very happy.” They were giving away t-shirts and Pride Bones.
