Sandusky's first Pride is weekend of Cedar Point day

by Ed Taylor

and Gil Thurman

Sandusky-The Sandusky area GLBT community will be celebrating Pride 2003 with our first annual picnic on Saturday, June 14, from 2 to 8 p.m. in Lion's Park on West Monroe Street.

All ages are welcome. We are asking everyone to bring a covered dish to share. Burgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks will be furnished by the committee. A free will donation will be accepted to help cover those expenses. Many games and activities are. being planned to guarantee a good time for all, rain or shine. Everyone attending the picnic will receive a coupon for $1 off admission to Club X in downtown Sandusky for the evening of June 14. Lions Park is a municipal park, therefore alcohol is prohibited.

Gay Day at Cedar Point

Sunday, June 15, is Fathers' Day and the traditional (although unrecognized officially) Gay Day at Cedar Point amusement park. Everyone is encouraged to wear red or rainbow colors. A "family" photo will be taken at the park at 11:20 a.m. at the Aquatic Stadium

near the Wicked Twister. People who want to be part of the inaugural "family" photo should gather there at 11 am.

Cedar Point and Sandusky Pride are working to make this year a positive experience for all. A good turnout for the photo will give the park an idea of how well our community turns out for the occasion. The photo will be available on our web site for downloading following the event. Come out and show your pride colors.

December Gayla is set

The Sandusky Gay Pride Committee is also planning its second annual Holiday Gayla Dinner dance for December 12, 2003 in the Royal Palm room in the Greentree Inn. Last year's event was attended by 80 area men and women and a good time was had by all. Tickets for the 2003 Gayla will be available in the fall.

The Pride Committee's web site is at http://ajw.freeshell.org/sanduskygaypride. The most current news about local events is always posted there.

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Ed Taylor and Gil Thurman are members of the Sandusky Pride committee.

Pride Erie Picnic will be a sunny day at the beach

by Michael K. Mahler

Erie, Pa.-The Pride Erie Picnic will be held at Presque Isle State Park at the Beach 11 Pavilion on Saturday, June 14, from 2 pm to sundown.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass. Paper plates and plastic silverware will be available. Donations will be gratefully accepted.

As always, allies and families are welcome. Bring children or parents, but parents are responsible for taking care of kids. There is playground equipment near the shelter. Festivities begin at 2 pm with games, including the perennial favorite, volleyball.

The annual Family Portrait will be taken after eating. The picture will appear on Erie Gay News' web site, www.eriegaynews.com, and also in the print edition for July.

Bring lawn chairs, blankets, rollerblades and sunscreen. Volunteers are asked to help with clean up, cooking and set up. If you would like to volunteer, contact Michael Mahler at 814-456-9833, info@eriegay news.com; or Brian Skelly at 814-452-6228, leelynn@erie.net.

There will be several thank you cards for event sponsors on the info table. Please sign all cards so that the people and businesses that helped out know how much they are appreciated.

Because of state law, alcohol and sales by outside vendors are not permitted. Please respect this. If you bring alcohol or are obviously drunk, you will be asked to leave the picnic.

Michael K. Mahler is the editor of Erie Gay News.

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