Gay Festival Draws Thousands

The second annual Laguna Pride Weekend, a three-day festival sponsored by the gay and lesbian community, attracted thousands of participants to events that included dancing and live entertainment before it concluded Sunday night.

The weekend festivities included a volleyball tournament at West Street Beach, dancing to disco and country and Western music at the Festival of Arts grounds, a classic car show, live entertainment at the Forum Theatre in Irvine and booths featuring crafts and food.

All proceeds from the events will go to nonprofit organizations, including the Laguna Beach Community Business Assn., the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Laguna Shanti and AIDS-related causes and support groups.

Several hundred people attended the inaugural festival last year, an event that raised more than $5,000.

Unlike last year, the Laguna Beach City Council and Chamber of Commerce this spring declined to endorse the event, partly because of objections from some residents who contended that the festival would be disruptive or highlight Laguna Beach as a mecca for gays.