F-M Pride Preview

By Joshua A. Boschee
Staff Writer

Fargo-Moorhead Pride is less than 30 days away and there’s an increasing buzz about the events being planned by the Pride Planning Committee and a few community groups. With this being the 10th Anniversary of F-M Pride being planned by the Pride Collective & Community Center (PCCC), the excitement is growing.

For those of you that have never been to a Pride celebration, I personally invite you to take advantage of all the events. Where else are you going to be able to spend less than $35 for a weekend full of celebration, entertainment and Pride?

Pride celebrations began in larger cities throughout the United States 40 years ago following the Stonewall Riots in New York City. While this is the 10th year that the PCCC has led the planning for F-M Pride, many individuals planned events long before the PCCC existed. In visiting with community members, when the Fargo-Moorhead wasn’t as friendly to LGBT people, groups of gay men would quietly gather at Gooseberry Park in Moorhead or in backyards to celebrate Pride.

This year’s candidate for mayor, Lenny Tweeden, owned a local gay bar called My Place, where Pride events occurred for a number of years. The I-Beam began hosting Pride events in the late 90s and continues to do so this year. All in all, none of these Prides would have happened in the past or continued to be successful if it weren’t for an amazing group of volunteers, local businesses, and sponsors.

Here is a quick rundown of this year’s events. Keep your eye out for the F-M Pride Guide, which will be an insert in the August 5 High Plains Reader.

The Inaugural Frolf Invitational Tournament takes place at the Oak Grove Disc Golf Course on Saturday, August 7th. Whether you’re a frolf pro or have never set foot on a course, you will have a great time, with the F-M Derby Girls officiating. Thanks to the generosity of Scheels All Sports, the top three frolfers will receive cash prizes.

Bowling on Thursday, August 12th at All-Star Bowl in Moorhead, which is quickly becoming a favorite for people of all ages. The setting provides a great opportunity to meet people, bring the kids and practice your karaoke skills for the Sunday afternoon karaoke bash.

A number of community members encouraged the Pride Planning Committee to partner with the F-M Derby Girls for an off-season Pride Bout. A quick look into it and the ironing out of some logistics made their wish come true. Friday, August 13th at the Civic Center will be a night to remember as the new Men’s Derby League, Rock City Riot, will debut as a part of the Bout. Get your tickets early at the Civic Center box office or Ticketmaster, as this event is sure to sell out fast. In true Derby Girls tradition, an all-ages after-party will be held at Big Joe’s, located in the Howard Johnson just north of the Civic.

This year’s Pride in the Park moves over to Moorhead. Food vendors, local artists, employers, area colleges and businesses will have booths set up to show their Pride. Music from local and regional performers will make a beautiful afternoon in Davy Park relaxing and enjoyable for queer and straight alike.

For male bookworms, the Gay Men’s Book Group will meet to discuss Annie Proulx’s collection of short stories, “Close Range: Wyoming Stories,” which includes the now-famous “Brokeback Mountain.”

Saturday night is filled with two big events. The Pride Block Party in the Usher’s House parking lot begins at 6 p.m. with local favorite DJ Joyride warming up the crowd. Three-time Performer of the Year JustNTyme will headline the evening with a number of artists, including Miss Gay 90s Victoria Gotti. Minneapolis star DJ Shiek will close the evening with a blend of old favorites and new mixes.

The I-Beam’s Officially Fabulous drag show kicks off at 10 p.m. with local favorite Miss Janessa Jaye Champagne and her merry band of performers.

Sunday closes out the weekend’s events with the InterFaith Service at Island Park, Pride Parade up Broadway and the Pride Rally on the lawn of the Fargo Civic Center. After everyone gets fired up by local activists and politicians, head on over to Big Joe’s and Sidestreet Bar & Grille in the Howard Johnson for a relaxing afternoon of karaoke and Wii.

For more information on walking in the parade, reserving a booth for Pride in the Park, event addresses and costs, go to http://www.fmpride.com. Most events are all-ages and low-cost thanks to the generous support of F-M Pride’s amazing sponsors.

I am confident that whether this is your first Pride or 40th, you won’t be disappointed.

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