PrideFest of the Palm Beaches 2012

Compass, the non-profit Gay and Lesbian Center behind PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, is going into its 25th year. It's only fitting that this inspired the organization to theme the annual Pride "Pride Across Generations."

"We thought it would be the perfect way to kick off our 25th year," said Compass Executive Director Tony Plakas. 'We've had our GLCC for a generation."

"The theme and everything that goes on will be about the generations of activism which brought us to where we are today," he continued.

Compass is the largest gay and lesbian center in the Southeast United States and PrideFest of the Palm Beaches attracts more than 12,000 attendees annually throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast. More than 140 businesses participate in the festival, which features live performances, entertainment for all ages, refreshments and a giant parade.

The event, which was originally held at the Armory Arts Center in West Palm Beach, has now grown from a small gathering to one of the largest festivals in South Florida.

Among the many attendees, local elected and appointed representatives including the mayors and commissioners of the city of West Palm Beach and the city of Lake Worth, have attended annually and shown their support for the event. Each year, the mayor of Lake Worth raises the Pride flag with Compass' Chief Executive Officer at City Hall during the week of the festival.

Compass will be honoring Dan Hall, Rand Hoch and Jamie Foreman as the 2012 Parade Marshals. The three serve on the board of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council and have volunteered for organizations such as Compass, CAP, Hope House and many, many other charitable organizations at the local, state and national level.

"These gentlemen exemplify how generations of volunteerism and their contribution of time, money and people power serve the entire community and pave the way for generations to come," said Plakas. "As a result of their leadership, pro-LGBT numerous public policies and laws have been enacted, making Palm Beach County one of the most friendly and inclusive places to live, work, study and retire for all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity."

A long list of fun entertainers will be performing at PrideFest of the Palm Beaches. On Saturday March 24th, there will be Beverly McClellan from NBC's The Voice Season 1, Teri Catlin, No Angel and Sean Thomas who is presented by Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches. On Sunday, March 25, after the parade, there will be No Mercy, Charlotte McKinnon formerly from Company B, Tamara Wallace formerly from Funky Green Dogs, The Palm Beach Makos Cheerleaders, Voices of Pride, The South Florida Marching Band, The Palm Beach Drag Society, Velvet Lenore and K-Otic Force. The emcee at the event will be Ricky Rollick, who is best known for his nostalgic Broadway and Retro style drag performances.

The biggest event during the weekend is the parade which takes place on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at South L Street and Lucerne Avenue, and will be marshaled down Lake Avenue to Bryant Park. Thanks to presenting sponsor Wells Fargo, the parade will be on a larger scale. Wells Fargo's historical stage coach will be in the parade again this year, and it's its second appearance at a Florida Pride. The coach has been featured in Pride parades in California, Chicago and New York previously.

Plakas said that one of the things that makes PrideFest of the Palm Beaches unique is that it is a very family friendly event.

"There are lots of parents and lots of children," he said.

So, gather your friends and family and check out this huge annual event and show your pride!

Pridefest Lake Worth and the Palm Beaches
March 24 and 25, noon to 6 p.m. at Bryant Park in Lake Worth
Presented by Wells Fargo
Parade Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on Lake Ave.
Live music and entertainment
Pride Across the Generations
CompassGLCC.com