Event organizers shooting high with annual event
After enduring a hurricane and a heat wave, "Pride in Our Diversity" organizers are hoping the third time's the charm.
By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published April 21, 2006
DUNEDIN - With two strikes against them - the hurricanes of 2004 and last August's oppressive heat wave - organizers of "Pride in Our Diversity" hope the event will be a hit this Saturday, maybe even a home run.
"The cooler weather should make it easier for parents to bring the kids out for a concert and a ballgame," said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. The St. Petersburg organization strives to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and class.
The inclusive event, sponsored by the Dunedin Blue Jays, welcomes families, gay and lesbian couples - everyone - to Knology Park for a concert, silent auction, VIP reception and a ballgame with the Sarasota Reds. Kids can meet the players and run the bases after the game. The auction will include a chance to throw the first pitch. Proceeds will benefit Equality Florida.
"It's one of our most visible events," Smith said. "We love it because it draws a diverse crowd."
The event's first year was a washout when a record four hurricanes crisscrossed Florida in 2004. Then last year, it was scheduled for August, but because of the punishing summer afternoon heat, the event was not well attended, said Gregory Brady, who owns Gregory's Salon and has been active in Dunedin's business community.
The Blue Jays, who sponsor a similar pride event in Toronto, approached Brady two years ago about having the fundraiser.
"We wanted to follow Toronto's lead and promote tolerance and diversity," said Carrie Johnson, assistant general manager of the Dunedin Blue Jays.
This year's concert begins at 4:30 p.m. with Amy Steinberg, an Orlando singer, songwriter, poet and comedian.
"She is a refreshingly unique artist who always puts a smile on your face," said Tom White, the event's music coordinator. He said Steinberg can get "a little sassy" but says she will keep everything in the family-friendly mode.
At 5 p.m., the British are coming.
Look for men in white shirts and narrow ties as the Shaguars, a British tribute band, take to the stage and recreate songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Herman's Hermits and the Hollies.
"They have fabulous British accents and they are really fun with their British invasion music," White said.
The ballgame starts at 7 p.m. and Una Voce, a gay men's chorale, will sing the national anthem.
Brady, along with other downtown merchants, is proud that a handful of gay business owners came to Main Street in the 1980s when it was a mere ghost town. Their efforts spawned beauty salons, restaurants, bars and art stores. They have served on the Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee and the Community Redevelopment Agency.
"We basically founded and participated in the Downtown Dunedin Merchants Association which has been key in the growth of downtown," Brady said.
Dunedin leaders support the event - last year the entire City Commission attended.
Mayor Bob Hackworth noted that the city's gay population had helped make Dunedin a more interesting place to live, work and play.
"We are trying to send a message that we have pride, not prejudice, and that we reject intolerance and discrimination," he said. "We are proud to be the exact opposite of what happened in Hillsborough County last year."
There, county commissioners banned county government from promoting and participating in gay and lesbian events.
Correspondent Terri Reeves can be reached at treeves@tampabay.rr.com
IF YOU GOPride in Our Diversity will be held Saturday, at Knology Park, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. Gates open at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $8 for the concert and ballgame; $12 including the ballpark meal; $50 for VIP reception, which includes food from Kelly's Restaurant, beer and wine, and opportunity to mingle with ballplayers, city officials and entertainers.
Times: VIP reception, 3 p.m.; concert, 4:30 p.m.; Dunedin Blue Jays vs. Sarasota Reds ballgame, 7 p.m.