by Lisa Schauer
Berkeley Springs Pride hosted its fourth annual pride picnic in the park on a scorching Saturday, June 22.
Temperatures climbed to a high of 97 degrees in town, driving people under the shade of tents, umbrellas, and the park’s ample trees.
This year, about 10 vendors and 10 non-profit organizations registered to participate in the event, according to Ben Fox, Berkeley Springs Pride board member.
“This is what we do. To keep the scholarship going, and to create safe spaces for community and diversity,” said Fox.
“We want people to know Berkeley Springs is a safe place to visit,” said board member Scott Collinash, seated under a vibrant Berkeley Springs Pride tent.
In addition to its college scholarship fund, Berkeley Springs Pride donates to Starting Points, the Morgan County backpack program, and basically “anybody in need,” Collinash said “This year we bought shoes.”
Exhibitors included Morgan Arts Council, Berkeley Springs Presbyterian Church, local radio station Cool 92.9, long known as WCST, community groups and craft vendors.
Activities included facepainting, a dress-up photo booth, yard games, and live music. A cooling station was available with fans and coolers of cold water.
Four food trucks were parked along Washington Street offering flatbreads, butterflied potatoes, barbecue, and snow cones to cool off visitors with colorful choices.
