September 13, 1996 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 11

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Traditional Irish celebration is set for Halloween

Have you ever attended a Féis Samhain? I know what you're thinking, "Attend it? I can't even pronounce it!" A Féis Samhain (pronounced Fesh Saw-in) is an Irish Halloween celebration. On October 25, the Cleveland Irish Les-Bi-Gay Organization (CILBGO) will sponsor a Féis Samhain at the Cleveland Lesbian-Gay Center, 1418 West 29th St.

CILBGO was founded in June 1995 and consists of gay, lesbian and bisexual IrishAmericans, and other ethnic backgrounds, who have an affinity for things Irish, and who long to celebrate their Irish heritage and a deep love of Irish culture with others in the gay community.

The group shares a commitment to keeping the Irish spirit alive, while also claiming and honoring our place in the gay community. The slogan "Double Pride" exemplifies this.

The group offers a wide variety of events and activities, with the intent of satisfying various interests and individual tastes. In the first year since its inception, CILBGO (pronounced Silb-go) has already sponsored several cultural and social events, such as attending the Irish Cultural Festival, doing a presentation on Irish patriot Roger Casement, a Féis Samhain last October, and hosting a St. Patrick's Day party at the Cleveland

Lesbian-Gay Center. Group members spoke and performed on Buck Harris' radio show last St. Patrick's Day, and also did traditional music and dance at Pride '96, as well as marching in the parade.

One of the main objectives is to provide something for everyone. New ideas and suggestions are always welcomed, and new or potential members are encouraged to make their interests known. Questionnaires have been provided at CILBGO sponsored events for guests to write down any suggestions or

comments.

While CILBGO strives to satisfy the craving of Irish-American hearts to be filled with

the delights of Irish culture, we also seek to strike a balance between social/cultural events and political awareness. Paramount to the group's philosophy is political sensitivity and responsibility to our community.

The Féis Samhain will take place at 7 pm. Featured will be Irish food, traditional dancing to join in, Irish ghost stories, and a music seisun. Cost is $5, more if you can, less if you can't. Costumes optional. Call 216-281-8384 for more information.

Coming Up: Irish, video night at the Center, November 17 at 6:30. This event is free and refreshments are provided. Come join us!

Annual Fall Hayride set for October 19

Join Cleveland Couples Together on Saturday, October 19, when the silver moon is glowing and the fall air is crisp. You can find your Halloween jack o' lantern in the pumpkin patch and a partner in the dance barn at Boyert's Farm in Medina, where CCT will host its annual hayride, from 7 pm to 12 midnight.

Cleveland Couples Together is a social group for monogamous gay and lesbian couples who live in northern Ohio. CCT's hayride chairperson is excited that the hayride has always been an event open to everyone: gay, lesbian, couples, singles-anyone interested in a fun country hayride.

The events of the evening will include dancing, prizes, free refreshments, complementary pumpkin, and campfires. Hayriders may also bring their own beer, coolers, or other alcoholic beverages.

Proceeds from past year's hayrides allowed CCT to donate generously to community organizations. Tickets are available at the following locations: Body Language, the Rec Room, 5¢ Decision, The Grid, HUGS East, Barbary Lane, Archwood Church, Artemis Coffee & T, Legends, and Gargoyles. Tickets

must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the door. Cost is $14 up through October 5. Afterwards, the price is $15.

The hayride will take place rain or shine. For more information about the hayride or Cleveland Couples Together, call 216-734-7980.

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