Pride Guide 2004 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE A-21

GIFT cruise on Lake Erie

casts off on June 12

BECKY MCMAHON

The view from the Goodtime III's top deck at last year's cruise.

by Ed Progar Cleveland Congratulations! You've survived another Northeast Ohio winter. Spring is here and another laid-back summer is just a few weeks away. What better way to kick off this festive season than with a relaxing, funfilled evening on the Goodtime III, the largest cruise ship on Lake Erie?

For the past 15 years, hundreds of LGBT people and their friends have done exactly that. The 16th annual Cleveland GIFT cruise will leave North Coast harbor the evening of Saturday, June 12, at 7:30 pm for a 21⁄2-hour excursion on Lake Erie and up the Cuyahoga River.

This event is associated with the annual Cleveland Gay Invitational Fellowship Bowling Tournament that will be taking place Friday through Sunday at Buckeye Lanes in North Olmsted. It was originally conceived as a way of showcasing the North Coast to out-of-town bowlers and guests.

ing, snuggling, and whatever else "floats their boats." Even last year, with the slightly uncooperative weather, attendance was over 400. The Goodtime III is equipped to handle large crowds with three decks. One deck is enclosed, one is for dancing, and the top level is open-air. The staff is very accommodating, LGBT friendly, and takes great care to see that everyone has a wonderful time. Several cash bars and a snack bar will be open.

Tickets for the cruise cost $20, and are available at the Cleveland Lesbian-Gay Center and various establishments in both Cleveland and Akron, where advertising posters appear. Tickets will also be available dockside on the day of the cruise on a first come, first served basis as capacity is limited. For more information see www.clevelandgift.org or call 216-749-2152.

Boarding begins at 7 pm on the East 9th St Pier, and the boat leaves the dock at 7:30 pm sharp.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, June 12. Start off the summer right, and enjoy the 16th annual Cleveland GIFT cruise aboard the Goodtime III.

Its popularity has grown over the years and the cruise now ranks as one of the premier LGBT events of summer in Cleveland. As many as 900 people have been welcomed aboard for an evening of sightseeing, conversation, dancing, cocktailing, sunset watchcruise.

Ed Progar is the coordinator of the GIFT

Musicians sought by new Cleveland marching band

by Brandyn J. Metzko

Cleveland-There's a new band in town, and it's looking for you! No audition is necessary, the band is open to all ind players and percussionists.

The Cleveland Lesbian/Gay/Allies Marching/Concert Band is a diverse group of musicians who gather to develop their musicianship skills and perform for LGBT

and other events. Come to a rehearsal and find out what they're all about.

The band rehearses in the Music and Communication Building at Cleveland State University, room G-15 on the lower level, from 8 pm until 10 pm every Wednesday. For information, e-mail webguybrandyn@yahoo.com, call 216-615-6277, or visit http://www.angelfire.com/band2/clgacmb.

more

Brandyn J. Metzko is the president of the Cleveland Lesbian/Gay/Allies Marching/Concert Band.

Rainbow World Travel

(216) 228-6990

Lesbian and Gay Tours and Destinations ... Leisure and Business Travel

For Information Contact: Carol Beck

14601 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH. 44107 e-mail: cbeck40@hotmail.com

Outin Akron

Schedule of Events for 2004 Saturday September 4th Labor Day Weekend Street Fair & 70's Disco Dance 12 Noon to 6 P.M. $5 Includes Hot Dog & Soft Drink Additional Hot Dog & Soft Drink $1

Saturday, October 9th

Dinner Dance with

The Fabulous Helen Welch Quintet

$15 in advance, limited seating

HELEN WHICH

Sunday, October 10th 11 A.M. Out in Akron Service Cascade Community Church

Cleveland'

#CASINO

CASINO!

WIN 100%S OF DOLLARS DAILY!

▼ Fast Playback Roulette

Blackjack

Slots

▼ Basketball

Baseball

Get Ready For Baseball Season!

21+

GAMBLEFROMHOME.COM