SCALED BACK PRIDE OF THE AMERICAS IS FINALLY HERE

John Hayden

After years of pandemic-fueled delays, Pride of the Americas (POTA) is finally here. While circumstances have forced Pride Fort Lauderdale, the producers of the event, to change and adapt in a myriad of ways, it still expects to be a party people from throughout the hemisphere will be talking about for years to come.

Friday

The weekend begins Friday at Pride on the Drive in Wilton Manors. Two stages will be set up in the parking lot of the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. One will be outside Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, the other in front of Hunters Nightclub.

The stage at Hunters will feature the long-awaited reunion of legendary DJ duo Thunderpuss. While he recently appeared on the soundtrack of the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, this will be their first performance together since the White Party in Miami nearly 19 years ago. Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) was instrumental in bringing them to South Florida. The show starts at 6 p.m. Admission is free but you need to register ahead of time.

Saturday

The weekend hits its zenith on Saturday, starting with a parade down A1A to Las Olas before turning west and emptying into Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. The parade steps off at noon. Grand marshals will be Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Steve Glassman, business woman publisher Ina Lee, and trans activist and reality TV star Rajee Narinesingh.

At 1 p.m. the main party begins at the new location. Boy George is scheduled to headline the event in the evening and the party wraps up at 9 p.m. Talent ranging from drag entertainers to circus acts will take the stage throughout the day, all hosted by South Florida legend Kitty Meow.

Inside there will be lots of vendors. Many will be from the health industry and HIV care. Trans issues will be addressed at the Trans Pride section.

If you’re hungry, there will be fair food faves alongside regional delicacies. Viewing the parade is free. Tickets to the event at Promenade Park are $8 in advance and $10 at the park. Due to construction and limited parking, people are encouraged to use public transportation or ride share.

SUNDAY

The Pride Splash T-Dance Pool Party is Sunday afternoon in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach, at Rok Bar Day Club. It’s right behind the bar that faces A1A, but party guests are to use the entrance at 220 Almond Ave.

The fierce Prince Trilla will host afternoon in the sun, while DJ Alex Acosta and DJ Deanne keep the music going.

For information on tickets to the events, visit PrideFortLauderdale.org.