In an unexpected twist, Palm Beach Pride was forced to cancel the first day of its annual festival due to flooding – so bad that cars were floating away near the venue.

But Florida is known for quick changes in weather and the state did not disappoint – by mid-afternoon on Saturday the waters had receded and vendors were setting up for the next day.

The Sunday morning parade was well-attended and went off without a hitch. Compass, the organizer of the event, extended the festival at Bryant Park to 7 p.m. to give attendees a little extra time for fun.

“I’m really happy we had at least Sunday … the festival and parade,” said Compass Board Chair Nicholas Coppola. “It was great weather and a great turnout. The staff did an outstanding job. As board chair, I couldn’t be prouder of the community.”

Actor and comedian Daniel Franzese, known for his roles in “Mean Girls” and “Looking,” took to the stage and told the audience his connection to Florida (he went to high school in Sunrise), and how he was duped into conversion therapy. Even so, he still identifies as a Christian, saying being gay made him a better Christian.

“And being a Christian has made me a better gay because I think our community needs to give each other grace, respect and mercy,” he said. “We are family, LGBTQ.”

Franzese also co-hosts a podcast “Yass, Jesus!” which is described as, according to its website, “a faith and sexuality affirming comedy podcast that believes you don't have to pick between gay and God.”

“It’s so important that you showed up today. I want you to give yourselves a round of applause for coming out again today for your family. Celebrating yourself is so important,” he said. “I want to express to all the people out there that are creators and queer people, or allies that are listening. It’s so important that you guys show up and represent yourself in public spaces and be an example of love.”

The headliner of the event was Brooke Eden, an out country star, who is from West Palm Beach. She now lives with her wife in Nashville but told OutSFL before the event she was so excited to return home and perform at Pride.

“This is one of my favorite shows ever,” she said on stage.

On stage, in between songs, Eden shared her coming out story and later said: “your governor doesn’t like us very much?”

“Just by being here, we are defeating him. Just by not lying to ourselves, we are defeating him. Just by not ‘unaliving’ ourselves, we are defeating him. By living our lives with Pride, we are defeating him. So I'm so proud of you to be here today. Just keep on spreading love. That’s what it’s all about. Thank you for this safe space. I promise to create a more safe space in country music.”

Her performance included her hit song “Got No Choice,” a nod to her relationship with her wife; and cover songs "I'm Coming Out” and a countrified version of Lady Gaga’s anthem “Born This Way.”

Organizers offered all the scheduled acts on Saturday an opportunity to perform Sunday. For those that could not, Compass honored their contracts.

“We understand that the cancellation on Saturday was a disappointment for our community and our vendors,” said Michael Riordan, Director of Media and Communications for Compass. “We take these relationships seriously and that is why we are offering partial refunds to our vendors, weekend pass purchasers and others who were expecting a two-day festival.”

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