Wilton Manors, Florida (February 16, 2017) – On Saturday, June 17, 2017, more than 30,000 locals and tourists, of all ages, will attend the Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade & Festival: Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Largest LGBT Event. With numerous opportunities for individuals, businesses, nonprofits and elected officials to participate in the celebration, this year’s Festival promises to be the best one yet!
“Not only does this event grow each year and offer something for everyone, it attracts folks from all over the state and country right here to the Island City to celebrate equality and enjoy all that Wilton Manors has to offer,” said Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick.
The 2017 Wilton Manors Stonewall Festival will kick off at 3 p.m. with the much-anticipated Stonewall Parade and will travel down the north side of Wilton Drive. Also at 3 p.m. the street festival and marketplace will open up along Wilton Drive extending from Five Points/NE 26th Street to NE 20th Street, just north of Fort Lauderdale High School. DJ’s and live music on stages will continue until 11 p.m.
“Our goal is to offer our vendors and sponsors as much as possible,” said Jeffrey Sterling, President of the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group (WMEG). “This year, we have extended our vendor participation hours to 11 p.m. and have multiple pre-event promotion opportunities through our social media platforms, including OUT CLIQUE. We want our vendors and sponsors to enjoy partnering with us and get as much bang for their buck as possible.”
Groups or individuals can register as vendors for the street festival or sign up t0 participate in the parade. Spaces are limited and based on availability; so early registration is encouraged. Early bird pricing is available through April 30, 2017. Registration is now open and can be completed at https://register.wiltonmanorsstonewall.org/wiltonmanors or by calling (954) 257-2989.
Sponsorships to support the event are also available and start at $1,000 for the Diamond Partnership Package. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to sign up as a sponsor, contact the VP for Development, WMEG at vpd@wmeg.org or (754) 200-2979 ext 603.
The Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit partnership between the City of Wilton Manors and the Wilton Manors Development Alliance, Inc., to provide resources, guidance, and continuity for city-sponsored cultural, social, and educational events, with all funds dedicated to its mission; to benefit the community of Wilton Manors.
Parking for Stonewall will be $15 and will be available in the following lots:
- City Hall, 2020 Wilton Drive
- 8th Terrace Lot, Northeast 8th Terrace and Northeast 26th Street
- Municipal Complex, 2100 Dixie Highway
- Richardson Park, 1937 Wilton Drive
- Iberia Bank, 2465 Wilton Drive
- Fort Lauderdale High School, 1600 NE 4th Avenue
This year there will be a few reserved parking spaces at Hagen Park allowing in and out privileges. The cost of a reserved spot is $40. VIP pass holders will have the ability to reserve parking spaces based on availability. Reserved parking reservations may be made at http://wiltonmanorsstonewall.com
The festival is held in honor of the Stonewall Riots: a series of violent demonstrations staged by New York City’s gay community on June 27, 1969, after they had grown tired of harassment from the New York Police Department. Each year, the City of Wilton Manors joins communities across the country to hold events that commemorate these riots.
Visit http://wiltonmanorsstonewall.com for more information about the festival.