In a show of civic and civil solidarity, town residents and tourists turned out en masse to celebrate Diversity at noon in Basin Spring Park on Saturday, August 4th.

There were singles, couples, entire families with kids, dogs and even a pig. They stood shoulder to shoulder to mug for the camera with big, genuine grins. And somewhere on the fringes were the very dour faces of the Jericho Riders and some of their local supporters. They had come to «witness,» but what they witnessed was joy, not shame, inclusiveness not discrimination.

To give the Riders credit, they were not disruptive, intrusive nor belligerent--though they did look a bit stunned to see a couple of hundred residents and tourists--gay and straight--having such a good time. The Riders behaved and thus were treated with dignity and respect by everyone else.

Here at Gay News, we're proud to be among friends and neighbors who, simply by being themselves, made a strong statement for kindness and acceptance. It was yet another memorable day in Eureka Springs.

Click here to view photos of the event.

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