“Festival of Pride”—And Beyond

(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #28, June 21, 1996)

“FESTIVAL OF PRIDE” AND RELATED EVENTS

Saturday—Twin Cities Festival of Pride
Saturday, June 22, 10 am-7 pm, Loring Park
Come on Saturday and browse the over 300 vendor booths when they’re less crowded. Wear your leather and be a visible representative of your tribe.

NSGRA presents “Boots & Boxers”
Saturday, June 22, 9 pm-1 am, Town House Country, St. Paul
Wear your best cowboy boots and boxer shorts to this always-fun event. One tip especially for men: even though you’re not wearing pants, wear a shirt. (I only mention this because at one time I assumed that since the event is called “Boots & Boxers” that was all you were supposed to wear, and I almost showed up at a previous “Boots & Boxers” sans shirt. Fortunately my partner Ken, who has a more highly-developed sense of decorum than I, warned me of my impending faux pas and let me borrow one of his cowboy shirts.) $2 donation requested; drink specials for people in boxers.

Sunday—Twin Cities Festival of Pride
Sunday, June 23, 10 am-7 pm, Loring Park
Sunday is Parade Day; wear your leather and march with the leather contingent! Check-in and line-up for the parade starts at 11:30 am on Willow (east side of Loring Park). The parade steps off at noon and returns to Loring Park about 2:30 pm. You can then watch the crowd and enjoy the mainstage activities until . . .

Leather Pride Celebration
Sunday, June 23, 4-9 pm, Gay 90’s
Presented through the cooperation of the Atons, Black Guard, Knights of Leather, MN Bears, and North Star Gay Rodeo Association, this is an event for the entire leather community—the perfect way to bring your Pride Weekend celebration to a climax.

Weenie Roast Beach Party
Saturday, June 29, 11 am-2 pm, East Mississippi River Flats Park, Minneapolis (Rain date is Sunday, June 30)
While not strictly a leather event, I know many other leathermen are as devoted to the romance of the mighty Mississippi as I am. Join with other river devotees in community service as we pick up trash and make the wild beauty of the river flats even more scenic. The reward for our hard work will be a community picnic and weenie roast presented by the H.I.M. Program at the Red Door Clinic in collaboration with the Minnesota Aids Project.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND MAKE YOUR PLANS . . .

North Star Regional Rodeo
July 12-14
Want a preview? While you’re at the Pride Festival be sure to visit NSGRA’s Dance Tent, featuring dance exhibitions and classes.

Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1996 Contest
Sunday, July 14
CALLING ALL CONTESTANTS! Have you ever fantasized about competing in a leather contest? Here’s your chance to turn that “fantasy” into reality! As Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1996, the winner of this contest will travel to Omaha to compete for the title of International Mr. Fantasy 1996 (August 16-18). The Mr. Fantasy contests are geared to the image of a “Fantasy” man, one who is proud of his lifestyle and sexuality. If you’re interested, call Dale Willman (who is Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1995).

The Atons present Gopher XII, “Going Down on the Farm”
Event happens July 19-21; REGISTER NOW
Enjoy a relaxed weekend at a secluded camp site in rural Minnesota. The scenic, forested site includes a spring-fed swimming pond with beach, hot tub, nature trails, barracks-style cabins, toilet and shower facilities, a dungeon, and a lodge. There is also an area for tents and R.V.s (no hookups, though). Cost is $110 ($125 after July 8) which includes all meals, beverages, and necessary permits. Transportation from the Twin Cities area to the run site will be provided upon request, and housing will be available before and after for those arriving from out of town or who wish to see the cities. For further information e-mail atons@aol.com, or visit the Atons web site at http://www.starbase21.com/ATONS.

PHOTO: David Pirc

IML Weekend Postscript: In addition to being represented by Mr. Minnesota Leather 1996 Michael deLeon, Minnesota was also represented in Chicago by David Pirc, who competed in the International Mr. Deaf Leather contest which was held May 23 (three days before the International Mr. Leather contest). David, who also performed at the recent Labyrinth of Leather fundraiser, is an employee at the Gay 90’s (so if you think he looks familiar, that’s probably where you’ve seen him).