Cherry Grove held its annual LGBT Pride Parade, around downtown Cherry Grove, on June 18 and Linda D’Ancona, of Sweet Licks Ice Cream Parlor, was the organizer. In recognition of the necessity for solidarity, in light of the recent tragic massacre at Pulse in Orlando, Florida, singer Porsche kicked off the proceedings by solemnly intoning the “Star Spangled Banner,” in front of the Community House.
The organizations were represented, including the Arts Project of Cherry Grove with Homecoming Queen Logan Hardcore, President Thom “Panzi” Hansen, and the Board members; the Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc., with President Diane Romano and the Board members; and the Cherry Grove Fire Department. There was a Leather contingent, of past Messrs. Fire Island Leather and our friends.
Among the businesses, with floats and/or contingents, were the Ice Palace, with Brenda Dharling, Ariel Sinclair, and Wendy Lewis, and the Underwear Party boys, with Daniel Nardicio and Brad Bradley, and a rainbow “We Are Orlando” banner on their float; the Top of the Bay; Dune Point’s Petra Brehl and a fiery group; and Island Breeze and Goodie's, with Kendra Kinx.

photos by Bruce-Michael Gelbert

Clockwise: Leather contingent (photo by Koitz), Ice Palace float, op of the Bay, Parade organizer Linda D'Ancona with Sybil Bruncheon

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