With more than 100 food and service vendors and corporate sponsorships by Hecht’s and Boscov’s Department Stores, Cumberland Valley Motors, Earthlink, and Walden Books, Central Pennsylvania’s Gay Pride festival is set for Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park on July 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We’re the state capital," said veteran civil rights activist Dr. Eric Selvey, this year’s organizer of the popular event. He has served as chairperson for three previous festivals. The popular event draws thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals — and many of their friends and family — from Pennsylvania and surrounding states for a daylong celebration of diversity and local, regional, and national entertainment acts covering club, rock, folk, and rock and roll.

"This year’s headliner is national club star Erin Hamilton," Selvey said. A "Main Stage" will roll out a program that begins with the National Anthem. "We are a patriotic people. We pay taxes. We volunteer in the community. We have died in all American wars since 1776," he pointed out.

Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), a local branch of a religious community that serves the gay and lesbian community, will entertain with their choir and band. "In spite of the centuries of religious bigotry toward gays and lesbian souls, our community has a strong tradition of worship," Selvey stated. Recently, the congregation of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish was asked to listen to an address by one of its members on why many members of the Roman Catholic congregation, including gay and lesbians, have fallen away from attending services.

Regional celebrity Bobbie Carmitchell will make an appearance along with Wonderrush Band, Hunt ‘N Green Beaver, and Natalie Darkes. Back again is the ever-popular Glenda’s Cabaret full of surprises and outrageous acts.

"Even with this annual public display of pride and diversity, we’re still a fearful people in Central Pennsylvania. In Harrisburg, where the city has enacted protections for gay and lesbian residents in public accommodations, in particular employment, the community has grown complacent — or remains in the closet, afraid to be seen or known as a gay person," said Selvey. "I’m hoping that each year this event sets into motion something that promotes change all year long."