The rescheduled Come Out With Pride (COWP) will feature fireworks.
There was some doubt as to whether COWP organizers would be able to secure the nighttime pyrotechnics for the second attempt at the event. Orlando's annual pride event was originally scheduled for Oct. 8, but rain and extreme winds forced a postponement to Sunday, Nov. 13. In the meantime, organizers have been scrambling to raise the funds needed to carry out the new event. Outstanding expenses total about $16,000 for items such as barricades, tents, table, chairs and bar rentals, plus security from Orlando Police.
Mikael Audebert, COWP's executive director, said the fireworks funding was secured via sponsorship from The Vue in Lake Eola. The Vue also sponsored the first round of fireworks, which were set off Oct. 8 despite the event's rescheduling.
Despite the sponsorship, Audebert said there are still several thousands in funds that need to be raised to pay for the event. He said The Vue's sponsorship was exclusive to the fireworks and that money would not have been able to be used to defray any other costs.
Audebert said three upcoming fundraising events at Mr. Sisters, Hamburger Mary's and The Vue will be crucial in reaching their goal.
Organizers are also enjoying support from the City of Orlando.
“The city is doing everything in its power to make sure the application can be processed,” Audebert said. “There's a close deadline and they're extending that deadline for us.”
He said the city is also working with them on some of the application fees.
