20th Annual Pride Picnic Sets Record

by Michael Mahler

On Saturday, June 18, 2012, the NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc. presented the 20th Annual Erie Pride Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle, The event drew over 400 attendees, which sets an all-time record. WICU/WSEE news covered the event. The weather was wonderful and it was a great time for visiting with friends old and new.. Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success!

Thanks to the 2012 Pride sponsors: Erie Gay News, Persad Center, Shakira Nakelle’s Mementos, Gifts & More, Erie Art Museum, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), Ignite Entertainment, Karpel Group, Kensington Books, Adagio Health, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - NWPA Chapter, Drenched Fur, Equality PA, Erie County Department of Health, Cobb’s Second Time Around Thrift Store, DJ Lunchbox, Erie Sisters, PFLAG Erie/Crawford County, The Latonia Ballroom & Event Center, Zone Dance Club, Bethany J. Robson LCSW CPCC, Christopher Strayer, Esq, Coca-Cola/Erie, Country Fair, Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Erie-Crawford Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, National Organization for Women, NWPA Chapter (NWPANOW), Pennsylvania Coaltion to End Homelessness, Tom Goss Music, Erie Playhouse, Gary’s Flower Shoppe and Interiors, Gaudenzia / SHOUT Outreach, Jones Pond Campground & RV Park, JR’s Last Laugh, LBT Women, Mark Hoovler, past Treasurer of NWPAPA & President of PFLAG Erie & Crawford Counties, Papa Joe’s Pepperoni Cafe, Silk Screen Unlimited, Tanglez Hair and Nail Studio, Smith’s Hot Dogs, and Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie.

Thanks go out to our volunteers: Gary Snyder, Jeremy Synder. Alex Bolla, Kevin Schultz, Daniel Thomas, DJ Lunchbox, Ryan McKane, Deb Spilko (who took photos), Ernie Staaf, Johauna and her sister Audrey, Erin Moll, Amy Terrizzi, Chris Dye, Season Crannell, Caitlyn Strohmeyer, Bernard, Greg Brown, Melanie Shubitowski, Bruce, Tony, Doug, Dennis, and Preston Blood.

Organizations at the event included 2012 Project, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), NWPA Chapter, Community Health Net, Drenched Fur, Erie Animal Network, Erie Atheists and Agnostics, Erie County Democratic Party, Erie For Obama 2012, Erie Sisters, Erie-Crawford Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Stacey Gray for Congress, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), LBT Women, Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Missa Eaton for Congress, NW PA Rural AIDS Alliance, Occupy Erie, Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition, Persad Center and PFLAG Erie/Crawford County.

Candidates and legislators at the picnic included Erie County Councilmember Phil Fatica, congressional candidates Missa Eaton and Stacey Gray, Bob Merski, Ryan Bizzarro, Jason Owen, and representatives from Sean Wiley’s campaign.The next event for NW PA Pride Alliance will be the LGBT contingent in the Millcreek 4th of July Parade. The Pride Parade and Rally are set for August 25 - more details next issue.

Photos

Also view photos here.

Videos

Missa Eaton, Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski at Pride Picnic 2012 - Posted Jun 18, 2012

Interview with Jess Lybrook, founder of Erie Animal Network - Posted Jun 18, 2012

Interview with Diana Ziemniak, wedding officiant - Posted Jun 18, 2012