"Out In the Park" takes place this weekend in the Springfield area. We don't want western Massachusetts to feel left out of all the debauchery.
First, on Saturday, Sept. 17 it's the 6th annual "Out on the Farm" day at The Big E fair in West Springfield. "Be seen, Wear red!" (We hope not to read any follow-up stories in the newspaper about fatal accidents involving horses.)
Contact: Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089; 413-737-2443; fax 413-787-0127; email comments info@thebige.com
Then, on Sunday, Sept. 18 it's the 9th annual "Out in the Park" day at Six Flags New England amusement park. "Be seen, Wear red!"
Contact: Six Flags New England, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089; 413-737-2443; corporate HQ: Six Flags America, 301-249-1500.
"Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning, Intersexed Brothers, Sisters, Friends and Families: For the past 8 years Out In The Park has been a huge success with over 1000 GLBT attendees for the first year in 1997! Each year it gets harder and harder to count everyone, as there are simply so many of us! In 2003, we counted between 2500-3000! There were probably a lot more. In 2004 estimates were between 5,000 to 7,000+. For 2005, who knows how many? We are are anticipating over 10,000! This has been a major event for the GLBT community for the past 8 years.You don't want to miss it! It's more fun than a Gay Pride Parade! We're here, we're queer and we're going have the time of our lives!"
Not to be outdone, King Richard's Faire in Carver will host "Out in the Court" on October 8, to coincide with "national coming-out day" on October 11. "Be seen, Wear purple!" There will be a special feature: the "Men in Tights" contest. Don't miss it!
Contact: 508-866-5391
Hard to believe this stuff has been going on under our noses for so long ... with the parks' knowledge and blessing...and discount tickets! There is seemingly no end to corporate complicity and cowardice. Or our apathy.
