Pride on "Ice" in Perry Square

On Saturday, February 15, the Erie Downtown Partnership (EDP) hosted its Pride on "Ice" event at the Downtown Community Skating Rink. The rain didn't stop the rainbows from showing up at the rink on pride flags and cowgirl hats!

The event was organized by rink manager Kim McMahon-Smith (she/her), who consistently seeks to provide events like Pride on "Ice" and Sensory Skate that will make community members feel seen and give them a place to know they belong. The EDP was intent on supporting the LGBT+ community through visibility, solidarity, and availability of helpful information. The rink provided a "Resource Shed," which included materials from local LGBT+ organizations, resources, programming, and informational pamphlets for all walks of life.

Pride Skate featured halftime drag performances, with a set debuting local queen Fasha N'Doll and including EDP's own Mulnah Dovat (they/them). N'Doll performed Trixie Mattel's hits Malibu and Hello, Hello with Dovat performing a Kesha rendition of This is Me and Be a Freak by Felix Hagan and the Family. N'Doll was delighted to be welcomed as a new performer, and Dovat shared the joy of unapologetic expression.

The show also served as a fundraiser, with the $68 total in tips collected by the queens being split between Compton's Table and Journey: Healing Together; Dovat, who serves on the boards of directors for both organizations, will be matching the total.

The downtown skating rink is an eco-friendly, synthetic rink from Swiss company Glice that functions without electricity or water. You can find more of the Erie Downtown Partnership's community events and programming on their social media and on eriedowntown.com

Photos

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