KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The threat of rain has prompted officials to move Kissimmee's PrideFest to the Civic Center.
The event will be held Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at 201 E. Dakin Ave.
All the expo activities have been canceled because of the threat of rain, officials said. The opening ceremony, Pulse nightclub tragedy memorial and live entertainment will take place within the Civic Center, officials said.
"With Osceola and Kissimmee, the ties are very deep," said Elizabeth Harris, director of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation.
Harris said the Pulse attack on June 12 unfolded in Orlando, but hit home in Kissimmee.
"Even some of our employees knew victims, knew family members and it was a significant impact," said Harris.
The city recognized the mass shooting and decided to create PrideFest as a way to show it's a welcoming place.
Cheryl Grieb is the first openly gay commissioner in Kissimmee and Osceola County. She told Channel 9's Michael Lopardi a lot has changed since she was young.
"I mean, again, very excited, very happy. I think it's a long time coming, but I'm glad we're here," Grieb said.
Grieb said about a one-third of the Pulse victims had ties to Osceola County.
"We were tremendously affected and we still have a support group that meets on Thursdays," Grieb said.
Kissimmee will host its first gay pride event tomorrow; organizers say they were motivated by the impact of the Pulse terror attack #WFTV pic.twitter.com/WyYI4ljvFd
— Michael Lopardi (@MLopardiWFTV) June 9, 2017
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