Naples PrideFest draws about 2,500 at new April date

Naples PrideFest drew an estimated 2,500 people at Cambier Park after moving to an April date, and drag shows were held indoors at the Norris Center under a city order.

Naples PrideFest took place in April at Cambier Park, moved from its usual June date to take advantage of cooler weather and the end of the tourist and snowbird season. Organizers estimated about 2,500 attendees, lower than last year's estimate of roughly 4,400. The event featured music, dance, family activities, vendors and staged performances both outdoors and inside the Norris Center. For the second year, drag shows were held indoors at the Norris Center by order of the City of Naples. Event details: - Attendance was estimated at about 2,500, down from about 4,400 the previous year. - The date was moved to April for cooler weather and to align with the end of tourist and snowbird season. - Drag shows were held inside the Norris Center under a city order, and some park areas were marked off with police tape. - The festival included local performers, a Kid's Zone, food trucks and various vendors. - One protester attended with a handmade sign and displayed firearms while addressing attendees; he said he was recording and protecting himself. - Naples Pride is a nonprofit founded in 2017 and continues litigation with the City of Naples over the constitutionality of public drag shows and costs for permits and security. Summary: The festival drew smaller crowds but remained active with multi-generational and family-friendly programming. Litigation between Naples Pride and the City of Naples over public drag shows and event-related permits and security costs is ongoing. Undetermined at this time.