KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Renowned worldwide as a leading gay and lesbian vacation destination, Key West salutes diversity with PrideFest 2010, scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, June 9-13. The festival is themed “Equality and Diversity in Paradise” in recognition of the freedom and openness to be found in the island city.

PrideFest’s packed schedule begins with an all-welcome kick-off party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, at Island House, 1129 Fleming St., presented in association with the Key West Business Guild.

Festival highlights include a “Broadway Cares” concert starring Broadway and screen actor Kevin Spirtas and Broadway regular and recording artist Felicia Finley.

Among PrideFest’s featured events are men-only and women-only champagne sunset sailing excursions in Key West waters, the Carnivale Street Fair and “Dancing on Duval” in the 700 and 800 blocks of Key West’s legendary Duval Street, forums and films, a “pink dollar” shopping stroll, a guided trolley tour spotlighting the history and contributions of Key West’s LGBT community, parties galore and contests to select Miss PrideFest and Mr. and Ms. Key West Pride.

Attendees can mix, mingle, get festival details and receive assistance from a personal concierge Thursday through Saturday at PrideFest’s hospitality suite. Hosted by Swankey Events upstairs at 623 Duval St., the suite is to be open noon to 8 p.m.

The 2010 festival culminates in the Equality and Diversity Pride Parade down Whitehead and Duval streets. Scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 13, the parade is to include floats, cars and walking groups celebrating Key West’s enthusiastic diversity.

For a festival schedule and ticketing, visit www.pridefestkeywest.com. For additional information about Key West, visit www.gaykeywestfl.com or www.fla-keys.com.

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