Day to Be Gay returns for seventh year, this time with western theme

WHERE: Hills Country Inn, Callicoon Center, NY.

WHEN: Sunday, September 2, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by dance at 5:00.

COST: $15 per person; children free. Admission to dance free for festivalgoers; $10 to others.

CONTACT: daytobegay.org or 646/263-1122.

CALLICOON CENTER, NY — Day to be Gay in the Catskills turns seven this year, and will celebrate at Hills Country Inn in Callicoon Center this weekend. The annual music and culture festival celebrating gay and lesbian life in the Sullivan County Catskills has been growing bigger over the years, and this year promises added attractions and more musical acts and entertainment. Immediately following the festival, a dance will be held in the Hills Country Inn Clubhouse. There will be a cash bar at the dance.

This year the theme of the event will be an “old fashioned country fair,” with carnival games and a western flair. The continuous live entertainment will feature a special guest appearance by the DC Cowboys Dance Company, CoCoMaMa Salsa Band, Phillips and Driver, Snaggletooth and the return of Susan Norfleet as the emcee. Vendors of all kinds will be on site selling food and beverages, local crafts, art, clothing and gifts, with many of the vendors new this year. Even dogs (on a leash) will be welcome, and can compete in the popular “Dog of the Day Contest.” There will also be representatives from many of the other gay organizations in the region.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, as seating will be outside on the lawn.

The Day to be Gay event ( daytobegay.org ) is produced by the not-for-profit Day to be Gay Foundation of Sullivan County ( dtbgfoundation.org ).