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Economy Leads To Cancellation Of Tampa Gay Pride Event

Tribune file photo by ROBERT BURKE (2006)

Chris Kilburn and Kevyn Robinson dance during "Pride in the Park" as part of 2006's Winter Pride Tampa Bay Festival events.

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TBO.com

Published: February 5, 2009

The Winter Pride Tampa Bay Festival has been canceled.

The gay pride event, which has been held since 2006 and was scheduled for Feb. 28 at the Al Lopez Park, was nixed because organizers were unable to cover the costs, according to published reports on at least three gay rights Web sites.

A statement from the festival's executive board of directors published on those sites said that, "With the country's economy being what it is, this has adversely impacted our local economy as well. Our expo vendors, businesses, sponsors and supporters, whom WPTB has relied on in the past, found it difficult to support our cause this year."

The event drew about 5,000 people in its inaugural year and an estimated 10,000 the next year.

Organizers hope to continue the festival in 2010.

"We apologize for the delay in making this announcement," the statement said, "However, the last minute miracle we hoped would present itself, did not appear."

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