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BISBEE — In the spirit of community and acceptance, the third annual Bisbee Pride Celebration took to the city’s streets and beyond Saturday.
Organized by the Bisbee Pride organization, the event draws hundreds of people to celebrate diversity over a three-day period.
“The music is just fabulous,” said local resident Ludmilla Lyle. “It really opens up the town. People get to know one another.”
Also a volunteer at the Pan Terra gallery, Lyle said the event boosts local business.
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“More people walk by and come in to see what we have. This gallery specializes in fine art photography,” she said.
Local business owner Mary Dewhurst also noticed sales jump.
“It always impacts us in a positive way. This town has good taste and good times,” she said.
Dewhurst helped chalk the sidewalk outside her building’s entrance, calling it the “Rainbow Gate.”
The event organizers estimate that the influx of tourists brings as much as $350,000 to the local economy.
“Hotels, restaurants and merchants get a lot of customers this weekend,” said Bob Klein, Bisbee Pride treasurer.
About 30 vendors turned up for the event, making larger pride organizations take notice.
“I come down every year. Every one is talking about this event. It’s a huge success for a small area. The community really supports it,” said Donna Taylor, director of Phoenix Pride. “We are looking into becoming one of the many sponsoring organizations.”
The festival is also a fundraiser for various community groups.
“Last year the funds went to a school art program,” said Carrie Mitten, volunteer coordinator. “Last night alone, we raised $1,500.”
Three’s a charm for Bisbee Pride. For the third annual event, organizers estimate triple the funds have been raised over other years.
In the rural category, the celebration was voted one of the top five pride events in the country by Gay.com.
The city embraces the big party — parts of Subway Street, Goar Park and City Park were filled with activities including vendors, music, dancing, and costumes.
“The city of Bisbee grants us the use of City Park,” said Mike Sanguinetti, an organizing committee member. “People come out and have a lot of fun. It’s a welcoming town.”
Buena High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance hosted a fundraiser at its own booth in City Park. Founding member Brian Dewitt, and member Amanda Murphy noticed the positive atmosphere.
“It’s our first year as a club, so it’s good exposure,” Dewitt said, “We are handing out guides about dealing with being gay and fighting against discrimination.”
Desert Voices, a chorus that is made up of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual members, entertained audiences throughout Saturday afternoon at City Park.
“Many music groups donate their time,” said Adam Lamb, director of Bisbee Pride.
Local favorites include a slew of evening activities such as the wildly popular Bert Lundy dance party.
“Last year, hundreds of people came out to dance the ’70s and ’80s disco,” Mitten said.
The evening is rounded out with the Turn-of-the-Century Ball, a costume party celebrating “Bisbee’s Golden Age,” at the Old West Saloon in the Copper Queen Hotel on Saturday night.
HERALD/REVIEW reporter Fiona de Young can be reached at 515-4682.
Desert Ratt wrote on Jun 21, 2007 9:00 AM: