HIGH GEAR, PAGE 16

WE ARE FAMILY 1981 EDITION

by JEANNETTE

On September 13th, the Northern Ohio Coalition (NOCI) presented the 3rd Annual "We Are Family”

gay picnic at Wildwood Lake Park in Columbia Station, Ohio. Picnicgoers came from all over the state of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illi-

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nois, and even further points in the U.S. Attendance for the day was 1,742, which represents an approximate increase of 27% over that of Festival '80. Part of the reason for this increase is due to the amount of advance publicity given to the picnic this year, which included a tour of the bars by Bobbie and Ray to perform a commercial about the picnic, and to the beautiful weather of the day.

The lake and waterslides provided a relaxing way to cool off from the heat and sun. For nourishment, plenty of food was available from the many vendors who featured such items as ribs, corn on the cob, hot dogs. Italian sausage, sandwiches, and more. Other novelty booths were there and created much frivolity--The Stallions' casket photo booth; Mom and Pop's Candy Store, featuring chocolate replicas of "private parts"; and Dan's wedding booth.

Entertainment this year was refreshing, to say the least. A variety of performers, including Miz D, Melissa Ross, Rita Del Ray, Charlie Tucker, and Bobbie, Steve, Richard, and Ray, brought smiles and laughs to the faces of those near the stage. Many types of group games were played, with the participants receiving prizes that ranged from Frisbees to poppers. The indoor pavilion was set up as a dance floor and the area disc jockeys, Kenny C., David K., Joey R., Greg W., and others, donated their time to play for all "boogi'ers".

Planning for the picnic began last spring and the efforts of all who participated, especially Ozzie, Dan, Steve, Sheldon, Joe, and other NOCI members, were well worth their great effort. Plans for next year's picnic will soon be underway, as much time is necessary for the picnic to be as successful as it was this year. Hope to see you next year!

own community."

"Spare Time" Cleveland Has a Gay Bowling League by RAY CHESNICK, JR. History was made on September 20th as Cleveland's first gay bowling league, sanctioned by the American Bowling Congress, began its fall season. Eighteen teams of five members bowl every Sunday starting at 1 p.m. at the Chester 30th Twin Lanes, on E. 30th St. just north of Chester. Each team is sponsored by a member of the gay business community and provides an opportunity for people to meet and mingle outside of a bar.

Ninety regular bowlers are expected every Sunday. So far, the turnout has been very good. There are plenty of alternates, but if you're interested in signing on, please call the Hotline (621-3380) for more information, or just come down to the bowling alley on a Sunday afternoon. Cheerleaders are always welcome!!!

The officers of the league (Jim Blevins, President; Terry Spinks, Treasurer; and Tim Contini, Secretary) were all instrumental in the formation of the league and it was Terry's enthusiasm for bowling that initially got the ball rolling. In June, these three began scouting around to find sponsors and organize teams. You may ask, "Why was the league organized?" "Cleveland's a medium size community with a huge gay population," says Jim Blevins. "We thought this was a good way to get people together to have some fun. We got tired of going out of town to get together with other gays and have fun. Cleveland is not all that bad. There are things to do here -bars, etc., and now even more for the people who won't go to the bars. "We are grateful to the sponsors of the bowling league without these people, the whole thing would never be possible. We appreciate all the players and sponsors for all their enthusiasm and support. This certainly does help Cleveland grow and become better in its own image and improve the quality of life in our

Getting ready to throw a "strike" is Sheldon Hanselman, from New Dimensions.