Each June across the nation and around the world LGBT people gather to celebrate with pride the Stonewall Riots that marked the beginning of the modern LGBT civil rights movement. Kansas is no exception to this collective effort to affirm our dignity and worth.
This year the Xcalibur Club, Junction City Teddy Bears and KEC-Flint Hills are joining together to present Little Pride on the Prairie, an event for the Manhattan/Junction City/Salina area as well as for any Kansan (or Missourian) wanting to join with other LGBT people and their allies to celebrate our uniqueness.
Gates open at 11:00AM and a BBQ lunch will be served at 2:00PM. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share; burgers, hot dogs, chicken, brisket, condiments, tea and lemonade are furnished by the organizers. “Were hoping for a hundred plus attendees and there is always plenty to eat,” Said Mark Beatty, Xcalibur owner and Pride Fest Chair. “We’ve got a great committee and we should thank them, the patrons of the club and sponsors who make it possible.”
Entertainment will include the conclusion of Queer Pfactor, drag races, a horseshoe pitching contest, and a massive tug-o-war. Queer Pfactor, based on the popular Fear Factor reality program, will give participants an opportunity to engage in one-of–a-kind queerly-inspired events; it promises to provide fun and laughs for the whole family! There will also be raffles and prizes occurring throughout the day.
Queer Pfactor started on Friday, May 26, at Xcalibur Club, and competitions are being held on each Friday in June. One winner from each of the four weeks will compete in the finals to be held at Little Pride on the Prairie. Event host Brock Hard and this year’s Ms Trailer Trash, Pat E. Cakes, have promised to “Kick it up a notch.” The winner will receive a vacation package for two to Eureka Springs, AR, Diversity Weekend valued at over $400. Mr. Hard and Ms Trailer Trash said, “We are grateful for the donations from the Eureka Springs merchants. It’s a great package. We do have an entry fee for the contestants to offset the costs for the event but that way we don’t have to charge cover.” Sign up early at the club because only the first twelve candidates compete each night. More info at http://www.xcaliburclub.com/events/pfactor.htm.
Little Pride on the Prairie is a family-friendly event. Special activities are planned for children and young adults, including a massive water balloon fight after lunch. Swimming and fishing are also available. Bring your own lawn chairs, towels, swimsuits, sunscreen, toys, bug spray, ice/cooler and beverages, extra clothes – everything you would need for an afternoon of fun.
The event also marks the 10th anniversary of the JC Teddy Bears. The Junction City Teddy Bears, Inc. is a nonprofit gay men’s club formed to bring together for social and entertainment purposes those individuals with common interests as bears, cubs, and their admirers. They sponsor contests, benefits, raffles, campouts, picnics, and such throughout their member service area. They will also celebrate their birthday at another event later in the summer.
Little Pride on the Prairie will be held at Farnum Creek Park, Milford Lake, easily accessible from I-70. Take the US 77 exit on the west side of Junction City and go north 10.9 miles to Farnum Creek State Park. Turn left into the park and take the first right to Group Site #1; go all the way to the end of the road.
Vendors interested in setting up booths should contact: marko@xcaliburclub.com or mzimmermann@cox.net.
