Time is running out for the organizers of this city’s Stonewall street festival.
But at the May 26 commission meeting, organizers, the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, said they were confident everything would be ready in time for the June 20 event.
“We can still do it . . . but we can’t do it all,” said Corrie Boyd, the event’s entertainment manager.
With less than three weeks left, Jeff Sterling, executive manager of the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, said Stonewall is behind $10,000 in sponsors, $17,000 in vendors and $10,000 for the parade. But he said he was confident that the final sponsors and vendors would sign-up in time. “No matter what, we will be on budget. I’m confident it will come pouring in.”
One reason for a shortage of vendors may be communications problems.
“I would like to get a booth at the Stonewall festival but am having a lot of difficulty finding out how to register,” wrote Dr. Jared Wannenwetsch, a chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale, in an email to The Gazette. “Do you know whom I should contact about this? Any information you can provide will be very helpful” he asked.
Commissioners urged city staff and the Entertainment Committee to work fast to tie up any loose ends.
“Two weeks [before the event] is too late. Let’s get it done now,” said Vice Mayor Scott Newton. “I want this to be a great event, as it always is. We don’t need to fall on our faces.”
The festival will include vendors, live entertainment and a parade down Wilton Drive. The event starts at 1 p.m. and the parade starts at 6 p.m. Wilton Drive will be closed from 4:30 a.m. on June 20 to 4 a.m. on June 21. To close the street, the city has budgeted $4,000 and is waiving the $2,000 event permit fee and the $2,500 building permit fees.
The cost to provide security is about $15,000. R&B girl group En Vogue has been announced as the event’s headline entertainment. Other musical acts have also been announced. Parking, at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, and Richardson Park, 1937 Wilton Drive, will cost $15.
In years past, private entities have organized the event but this year city officials decided to take it on themselves. To help run it, they appointed five volunteers, the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, to work with city staff members.
For more information or to become a vendor, visit WiltonManorsStonewall.com.