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Gay Peoples Chronicle

By The CHRONICLE STAFF

While we can't really say that the weather was with us this time, at least the rain that threatened throughout the afternoon of Summerfest '85 held off until evening, and even then was intermittent. Any fundamentalists who might have prayed that we would be rained out were disappointed. They can't even take comfort in the partial answer to their prayers because the same rain dampened the final night of the Feast of the Assumption in Murray Hill.

Even if the wind did blow out the candles during the vigil, reactions to the weather conformed to the generally happy mood of the people at Summerfest. One man compared being rained upon to baptism. A woman described the lightning as seeming like a sign of ̃approval, with the heavens Joining in our celebration.

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SUMMERFEST '85

GAY PEOPLE CELEBRATE

From page 1

AIDS. They distributed over 1200 pieces of literature.

Clearly enjoying themselves, feeling a community, and disposed to be friendly, those attending the festival patronized vendors, socialized, and danced in the street to music provided by a series of local dj's.

Entertainment also included a drag show, opened by Melissa Ross, whose ques tions--Are you having a good time? Do you want to do this again next year? Do you want this to be an annual event? --drew enthusiastic responses from the audience.

Other performers were Mona Desmond, Lace, DeeDee Monroe, Kiki DeCarlo, and Denise Michaels.

Bob Navis, Jeff Gerhardstein, and Rod Caldwell led the singing during the candlelight vigil for AIDS vic-

tims, which included brief speeches by Jeff Swindler for the Summerfest Committee and Ted Wilson for Health Issues Taskforce, which also sponsored the event.

Looking at Summerfest '85 in retrospect, Swindler, obviously happy about its success, told The Chronicle the Committee appreciated the extensive community support it had evoked.

said,

"First of all," he I want to thank everyone concerned. We received much support from different segments of the gay/lesbian community: from the bar owners, from NOCI, and from the organizations, as well as from individual volunteers. Whenever we needed help, it was given.

"

Swindler described the Committee as particularly pleased about the large num-

ber of women there and impressed by their support of funding for AIDS, which has traditionally been viewed as primarily a concern of gay males.

He also thanked the businesses, gay and nongay, that donated items for the raffle.

Gratified by the outstanding show of community unity, the Committee was also impressed by the obvious enjoyment of Summerfest shown by those attending it, and their pleasure in being together.

Given the enthusiastic community response to Summerfest '85, the Committee plans to repeat it. Swindler said next year they will choose an earlier date, probably in late June of early July.

While satisfied with this

year's festival, they plan

Jeff Swindler

8日

KEYS

COCKTAILS & COMPANY

1028 PROSPECT AVE. CLEVELAND, OHIO 44115 PHONE: (216) 566-0060

October 19, 1985 5th Annual

"PARADISE SHOWTM✩

MELISSA ROSS

Ms. "D"

EXEDRA

KATE ALEXANDER

Plus Others

11 PM

$3.00

☆

Watch for our October ad. Don't miss this show!

Plan now to be there!