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For the first time, a communityWorcester Gay Pride Celebration to mark 2nd year on Water Street
September 2004 - Energized by the Massachusetts SJC gay marriage ruling, gay pride celebrations throughout the state have seen record attendance this year. Organizers of the second annual Worcester Gay Pride Celebration are expecting a huge crowd for the September 18 block party and street dance on Water Street. The celebration is quickly becoming a major cultural event in Worcester, joining the ranks of the city’s popular Italian, Latino and Greek festivals. Organizers hope that this year’s Pride will be a day that showcases the diversity of the Worcester community in the Water Street area and beyond. The event will begin at 3 p.m. with a drag show competition hosted by local favorite, Rageena Starlet. A political rally will be held at 4 p.m., featuring keynote speakers US Congressman Jim McGovern and State Senator Harriette Chandler, both strong advocates for gay marriage. Worcester Mayor Tim Murray will also address the crowd. After the rally, a street dance will be hosted by four of Rage nightclub’s most popular DJs. The admission price is completely voluntary, allowing those who are unable to pay to still enjoy the dance. More family activities will be featured this year including carnival-style attractions such as a moon walk, dunk tank, face painting, caricature drawings and a pie-throwing contest. Like last year, there will be a beer garden sponsored by Rolling Rock beer. Everything but the beer garden is open to all ages. All Water Street merchants will be open for extended hours, serving full menus. The party will continue well into the night at all three gay venues with a variety of live entertainment, dancing, food and special events. For a full schedule of events, please see the facing page or visit www.rage-worcester.com.
The enormous financial and personal support from Worcester’s gay-owned businesses helped make last year’s event a success. When Rage and the Vibes shop on Water Street entered the scene, both businesses took responsibility for giving the community a pride celebration worthy of New England’s third largest city. This year, the MB Lounge has also contributed greatly to the event, expanding the event to Grafton Street. Planning this event over the past two years, gay business-owners and other leaders in the gay community have worked together and supported each other, for the good of all. Come celebrate our community’s great diversity on Saturday, September 18! 2nd Annual Worcester Gay Pride CelebrationBlock Party and Street Dance Water Street, Worcester Saturday, September 18 (rain or shine)
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By Tim DeSantis, Rage co-owner and
Gay Pride Committee spokesperson
Photos by Michael Belsito
Last year, the success of Worcester’s Pride Celebration was a testament to the determination and creativity of the Pride Committee. Attendance not only tripled for the event, which was previously held at Institute Park, but for the first time it was within walking distance of three gay venues. Pride benefited from the support of these venues and other local businesses and was enhanced by new offerings of entertainment, dancing, drinking and eating.