There are events you go to out of obligation, and then there are the ones that remind you why community matters. Oakland Park Pride was the second kind. I have fallen in love with this community over the last two years that I have been here, and events like this kindle my love for South Florida even more. Thank you for that, community. Let’s get into it.
I showed up not entirely sure what to expect from a Pride celebration in one of Broward’s quieter cities. What I found was a full-on good time that punched well above its weight.
Cali’s Lemonade Express
First things first: if you were at Oakland Park Pride and you walked past Cali’s Lemonade Express without stopping, I’m genuinely concerned for you. The lemonade was cold, refreshing, and exactly what a South Florida June afternoon demands. Supporting a local vendor doing something joyful at a community event is one of my favorite things, and Cali’s delivered. Go for the Blue Raspberry topped with all the candy things. It’s worth it :).
New Shoes
One of the vendor booths was giving away shoes, and yes, I walked away with a pair. There is nothing quite like showing up to Pride and leaving with free footwear. Oakland Park’s vendor lineup brought the goods, and this was the kind of surprise that makes community events worth showing up for.
The Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Champion (That’s Me)
This is not a drill. I entered the Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes competition. I competed. I won.
If you know me, you know I do not half-step when there is a physical challenge on the table, even one originally designed for kindergarteners. The crowd was hyped, the competition was real, and I walked away a champion. I will be listing this on my LinkedIn.
Why Oakland Park Pride Matters
Events like this are the backbone of what Pride is actually about. It was not a massive production. It was a community showing up for itself, celebrating loudly in a quiet park lot on a hot afternoon that cooled into the evening. It was an event that made every single person feel welcome, seen, and safe. That is the point.
Oakland Park has been quietly building something real, and their Pride celebration is proof. I will be back next year, hopefully to defend my title… or maybe get another? We shall see!