If you’ve driven on or near Wilton Drive
this week, you’ve likely seen signs of the weekend’s events. Bundles of
street barricades started showing up, and pre-planning is paying off.
Stirling says 60% of the festival will be
set up on Friday, allowing staff and volunteers to focus on “the little
extras” on Saturday.
About 100 entries are expected to march or
ride in the parade. A couple of logistical changes are designed to make
the evening more accessible. About 45 minutes into the parade, the
procession will pause and allow people to go from one side of the street
to the other. (In past years, people have tried to dart back and forth
between entrants.)
Grand Marshals are Ederick Johnson, a
community service provider and HIV/AIDS advocate, and Julia Lemigova,
the first LGBT cast member of Real Housewives of Miami.
Also, you will be able to go from NE 20th St. to Five Points on the same side, without crossing Wilton Drive.
A final security sweep and explosives
check will start about noon, with gates opening at 3 p.m. The parade
steps off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the gate at stonewallpride.lgbt.
Wilton Drive will be closed all day, and parking nearby is extremely limited. People are encouraged to use ride-share.
Seven stages and 16 bars will line The
Drive. The main stage, also known as the Black Excellence stage, will be
across from Alibi Plaza at NE 6th Ave. and Wilton Drive.
Outdoor activities will wind down around 11 p.m., but bars will be open until 3 a.m., like all weekend nights.