LAGUNA BEACH : Council Endorses Gay-Pride Festival
Calling it a “healthy, fine event,” the City Council has voted unanimously to support the city’s first gay and lesbian festival, a two-day celebration in April.
The council’s support was sought Tuesday night by the co-chairman of Laguna Outreach, a gay and lesbian community group sponsoring the event.
Doug Reilly said the group wanted “moral support,” not money, from the city in staging what they hope will become an annual event.
Reilly said the festival will benefit local businesses and generate sales taxes for the city.
“We’re trying to bring people here so they will understand what we have to offer,” he told the council.
“Laguna Pride Weekend,” as the event is being called, will be launched April 29, with a party at the Boom Boom Room, a local gay bar that is one of the festival’s sponsors.
The festival itself will be held the next two days at the Festival of Arts grounds.
Related celebrations will be held elsewhere in town, including a “Twilight Block Party” at the south end of town Saturday and Sunday night.
Calling it “a very fine proposal,” Councilman Robert F. Gentry encouraged the council to support the event Tuesday night.
The City Council commonly endorses local activities.
Laguna Outreach will seek support Thursday from the Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call (714) 494-4137.
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