Dancing in the Park

So today Gay City News published a couple of the photos I took at the Gay and Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization (GALDE)'s annual picnic back on July 31st, 2005. The weather was as glorious as it had been in previous years (sunny, mid-80's) and the turn-out seemed, at least to me, higher as well. Unfortunately I was only able to get there as things were winding down and missed most all the (usually) outstanding performances.

For all the June gay pride hoopla in New York this continues to be my favorite annual event. The backdrop of the George Washington Bridge is certainly magnificent but it's the reggaeton, bachata and salsa blasting from the speakers that truly gives it that special kick. It helps that, even after 15th years, most people in New York don't know about it. The result? An event that draws from 500 to 1,000 people that still manages to feel like a family picnic. My hats off to GALDE and all their volunteers for another great weekend.