Organizers in St. Petersburg have unveiled plans to host the first-ever Winter Pride, a week-long series of events scheduled for February 16-23, 2025. At a kickoff party at Savant in downtown St. Petersburg this past Tuesday, concepts were introduced for the event, which aims to capitalize on St. Pete’s peak tourist season while providing additional visibility and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

I sat down with David Fischer, owner of local LGBTQ+ establishments Cocktail, The Saint, ZaZood, and the Mari Jean Hotel, to discuss the motivations behind Winter Pride and its potential economic impact. According to Fischer, Winter Pride is an opportunity to create more programming for both locals and tourists at a time when the weather is cooler and visitor traffic is high.

High-profile entertainment “in the works”

Winter Pride features a range of events, from a street party to smaller gatherings like a dive-in movie and themed celebrations, such as an ’80s ski lodge party and a kilt-themed event. While the plans continue to evolve, Fischer shared that the organizers expect to sign a high-profile entertainer in the coming weeks, which could draw even more attention to the celebration.

What is certain to be one of the most anticipated events of Winter Pride will be a “drag race” of sorts down Central Avenue, where teams will race their custom-built box cars in a high-energy competition. The race, which promises to be a lively and entertaining spectacle, is sure to feature extravagant costumes, over-the-top designs, and plenty of humor. Beyond the fun, there’s a serious incentive: a four-figure cash prize awaits the winning team.

Event to showcase vibrant St. Pete communities during high-season

Fischer emphasized that Winter Pride is not intended to replace the long-standing June Pride celebrations but rather to complement them. By hosting Winter Pride during the height of the tourism season, organizers hope to draw more attention to St. Pete’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community while benefiting local businesses.

“It’s about expanding our visibility during the busiest time of year for tourism,” Fischer explained. “We’re hoping Winter Pride can serve as a way to showcase the community while helping local LGBTQ+-owned businesses tap into the winter influx of visitors.”

The event also aims to support the arts community in several ways, including commissioning local artists to put their creative touch on oversized Pelican sculptures that organizers have designed and plan to produce. The statues could be sponsored or purchased by collectors as part of the Winter Pride efforts.

Sponsorships revealed along with plans

In addition to planning the event, organizers are actively seeking sponsorships from local and national businesses. Sponsorship opportunities range from three to six figures, depending on the level of involvement, and offer businesses a chance to directly support and engage with the LGBTQIA+ community. Fischer mentioned that the event would provide significant exposure for sponsors through various platforms and partnerships.

By targeting the winter tourist season, Winter Pride could provide an economic boost for local businesses, with restaurants, hotels, and shops likely to benefit from increased foot traffic. Organizers see this as an important step not only in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community but also in strengthening the local economy.

For more information, sponsorship details, and updates on Winter Pride, visit the event’s official website.