A NEWSPAPER STORY－－－－－Lark in park for gay and lesbian folk

Lark in park for gay and lesbian folk

PARRAMATTA Park was more fabulous than usual on Sunday as the local gay and lesbian community,along with family and friends,celebrated the annual Parramatta Pride Picnic.

Hundreds took advantage of the sunshine and attended the event,which organisers believe is the largest of its kind outside of Sydney Mardi Gras'annual Fair Day.

Gavin Prendergast,a representative from the Parramatta Queer Forum,the chief organisers of the event,said the picnic was an important day for the LGBTIQ community of western Sydney,as it helped combat isolation and homophobia and played an important role in making the community more visible.

Highlights of the day included the stalls and activities such an the sack race,tug of war,a "drag race",and Doggywood,a pageant contest for dogs and their owners.There was also entertainment by Lady Kinmee of Australia's Got Talent fame,and a DJ.

Bj Molina,of Potts Point,brought along her dog Colby for the day to show support for her gay and lesbian friends that live in western Sydney."Parramatta is a wonderful place,"she said.