The Flint Hills Observer
May1997
Wichita Pride to host an incredible weekend of events June 6-8
by Kristi Parker, Wichita Pride Chairperson
Wichita Pride Celebration '97 is quickly approaching with a weekend packed full of fun ways to show your pride. With this year's theme, "Equality Through Visibility," the celebration kicks off with a Block Party June 6. Held at the new addition to the Fantasy Complex, 3201 S. Hillside, The Coop, this outdoor dance will include swimming, beach volleyball and is an all-ages event.
On Saturday, the excitement starts at 1l am at the Old County Courthouse, 510 N. Main, with a rally which includes Mandy Schultz, Executive Director of San Diego Lesbian & Gay Pride. At 12:30 the parade proceeds from the courthouse to the Mid-America All-Indian Center, 650 N. Seneca, the PrideFest '97 site.
This year PrideFest sports exciting new features: in addition to mainstage entertainment, you can hear headliners KC's Neon Girls and Wichita's favorite Women Without Purses on the acoustic stage, try your hand at the football toss, sip iced cappuccino under a shade tree, meet queer Kansas authors, win a trip to San Diego's Pride Celebration or get your blood pressure checked at PlaySafe '97. And of course, there's still the old fun - shop till you drop at vendor booths from around the country, eat great food - vegetarian cuisine too!, have a beer, or you definitely won't want to miss the mainstage line-up! Bob Smith, comedian and co-author of Growing Up Gay, Men Out Loud, a very hot disco group from West Hollywood, Viola Wills, of Stormy Weather and Always Something There to Remind Me fame, John Caldera, the first Mr. International Bear, Robin Greenspan and Paul J. Williams, comedians extraordinaire, Wichita's finest Marzaire, formerly Somebody's Sister, 1/2 Mad Poet, the rockin' grrl band, Kathy Sullivan, with her original voice and sound, and the talented Jennifer King and more. At 9:30 pm, lay back and enjoy the fireworks display, which will close out the evening.
On Sun., June 8, the ninth annual Gay And Lesbian Awards (GALA) will cap the celebration with a semi-formal evening of appreciation for the excellence in the Wichita gay and lesbian community. Held this year at Cabaret Oldtown, 412 1/2 E. Douglas, GALA promises to be a night to remember.
If you're coming from out of town or just want a weekend getaway, the Guild-Plaza Hotel is the 1997 host hotel and is offering a special rate with weekend packages staring as low as $60! (Includes a two-night stay, breakfast, admission to PrideFest'97 and the Block Party kick-off, and a Pride '97 button. Based on double occupancy.) Call 1-800-445-9097 for reservations, and mention Wichita Pride. For tickets and information, call (316) 262-8289.
If you're in the Manhattan/Junction City area, travel to Wichita with the Flint Hills Alliance - contact Penny Cullers at (913) 5397656.
A big thanks to these sponsors - Wichita Business and Professional League, Budweiser, ID Lube, Mother's Cards, Mags & Gifts, The Liberty Press, Wet Lube, The AIDS Fund of Wichita/ Sedgwick County and San Diego Lesbian & Gay Pride.
