photo by Bruce-Michael Gelbert
Bob Levine, Nunzio Sisto & trumpet, & Lee Sharmat & tuba
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Cherry Grove LGBT Pride Day took place on June 21, the sunny first day of summer, and its centerpiece was the 16th annual afternoon Cherry Grove Pride Parade around downtown Cherry Grove. Organizers were Sweet Licks’ Linda D’Ancona, Island Breeze’s John Doyle and, planning the parade route, Cherry Grove Fire Department First Assistant Chief Craig Williams. As has become traditional, Sherri Rase, waving the American flag, led the line of march.
There were floats and contingents from most Grove organizations and businesses. Organizations represented were the Arts Project of Cherry Grove, featuring Homecoming Queen 2014 Whore D’Oeuvre and President Thom “Panzi” Hansen; the Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc., led by President Diane Romano with Toni Cesta; the Cherry Grove Fire Department; and North Shore/Long Island Jewish Hospital, which now runs the Grove Doctor’s House. Businesses present were Island Breeze restaurant, with comely bartender Stevie Rich, Mr. Meat Rack 2014; the Ice Palace/Grove Hotel, fielding Miss Fire Island 2002 Ariel Sinclair and 2011 Logan Hardcore; Dune Point hotel, with proprietor Petra Brel, bearded Randy, and other lovelies shooting water guns and otherwise attracting a great deal of attention; and Cherry Grove Pizzeria and Restaurant.
Others marching were A Gay Pride—of lesbian lions, that is: Lynn Tunderman, Lyn Belensky and Pat Wagnis, Barbara Hirsch and Linda Dickerman, and SallyAnn Piacentino in lion masks and shirts in a rainbow of colors—and, carrying the Leather Pride banner, the Leather contingent, made up of Messrs. Fire Island Leather 2014 Victor Skolnik, 2012 Mark Nayden, 2005 Joe Saporito, 2004 Jeff Goodman, and 2001—the first—this writer.
Rounding out the festivities were an afternoon street fair, with Sweet Licks ice cream parlor and Rainbow Dreams gift shop among the businesses represented, and Grucci fireworks over the Great South Bay in the evening.