Sometimes it was raining and sometimes the sun was shining. But rain or shine, pride partiers were rocking the boat. On June 8, the fifth annual FLoatarama sailed down the New River from Esplanade Park, down to the Intercoastal, and up to the Galleria Mall.

Hundreds packed the VIP Yacht leading the flotilla, while smaller boats sailed behind in its wake. The event, which began as a socially distanced way to celebrate Pride during the pandemic, is now the kickoff to Stonewall Pride week.

Hostess FayWhat?! commandeered the microphone and kept the energy up during the entire afternoon. She’s a longtime fan of FLoatarama, but she’s never seen it from the upper deck of the lead boat.

“I’ve never been on the main ship the first four years, I’ve always been on one of the boats in the flotilla. I thought the ship was awesome. Now I know what I was missing.”

Sam Lantz of “Squid Games: The Challenge” served as shirtless Grand Marshal.

“I am so proud to participate in this year’s FLoatarama and excited to see the work that they do,” Lantz said.

DJ Bumi kept the music going, and revelers on the main boat were on the dance floor the entire time, even when the rain was coming down.

About four hours after departing the GALLERYone hotel the boat pulled back in. While the cruise was over, FLoatarama and Pride Week were just getting started.

On Sunday, they held the official afterparty at Hunters, the Sailor’s T-Dance. DJ Ronnie Minutella kept the party vibe going, while ShakeShack brought burgers.

This Friday, June 14, they’re hosting “Divers, Speedos and Cocktails - Oh My!” at the recently revamped Fort Lauderdale Aquatics Center. The night includes a pirate tour of the tallest diving tower in the western hemisphere, a VR high dive, and a world class high diving show. Proceeds go to the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund and Every Child’s a Swimmer LGBTQ Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are available at FLoatarama.org.