Ronnie Nyles, who will be at Milwaukee PrideFest. Photo by Suzanne Kraus____________
Are you a Milwaukee PrideFest virgin? Yes, there is a first time for everything! Be brave! It really won't hurt! Practically speaking, I hope this orientation will encourage you to check it out for yourself. Is this going to be the year?
Milwaukee's gay community has been active and doing things for decades! It has had a free-standing LGBT center for nine years. The city's Cream City Foundation has been actively supporting LGBT needs and organizations for over 25 years, and SAGE ( Senior Action in a Gay Environment ) Milwaukee has staff and has been serving lesbian and gay seniors for over 13 years. There is even a Milwaukee Gay Arts Center. And, the PrideFest is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year.
The only thing that the PrideFest and Chicago's Pride have in common is that they are both LGBT-focused. Milwaukee's PrideFest is a totally different experience, and so is Milwaukee's Pride Parade, which is on June 10 at 2 p.m. It lasts about an hour, has about 40 entries, and is filled with energy and fun.
PrideFest is user-friendly. It takes place on the fabulous Meier Festival Grounds ( home to Summerfest ) right on the lakefront with several stages for entertainment; a mixed marketplace with LGBT-specific and general vendors for shopping; and those gondola rides. Also, there are lots of food choices that you would expect at a summertime fair ( turkey legs, lemonade, fresh donuts, brats, etc. ) . Attendance has been growing steadily although, at 24,000 for the whole weekend ( June 8-10 ) , it's still a refreshing change from almost everything in Chicago.
Entertainment, as always, is varied. Things get going Friday with top entertainers Kathy Griffin and Cascada; all day Saturday with Chaka Khan and her full band; and Sunday is hopping with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. These are just the top names; there are many, many more entertainers and special events. Moreover, great fireworks are a fun and romantic bonus on June 8-9.
After a few hours or days of PrideFest, you may want to be inside four walls to eat a real meal and/or have a real cocktail. Milwaukee has dozens of LGBT-friendly bars to select from. Two newer options include M's, at 1101 S. 2nd ( continuing some of the traditions of the M&M Club that closed last June ) ; and the Milwaukee Pump House at 2011 S. 1st. Walker's Pint and MONA's cater primarily to lesbians. Then, there are also LaCage, C'est LaVie, Switch, the Harbor Room, Fluid and at least a dozen more.
Visit www.pridefest.com for more details. Suzanne Kraus can be reached at suzanne@windycitymediagroup.com .