Sponsor, Volunteer or Join in the Parade for the 18th Annual Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade & Festival: Greater Fort Lauderdale's Largest LGBT Event

WILTON MANORS, Fla., Feb. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 26^th Street to NE 20^th 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 to 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 [email protected] 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
• 8^th Terrace Lot, Northeast 8^th Terrace and Northeast 26^th Street
• Municipal Complex, 2100 Dixie Highway
• Richardson Park, 1937 Wilton Drive
• Iberia Bank, 2465 Wilton Drive
• Fort Lauderdale High School, 1600 NE 4^th 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.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE City of Wilton Manors