By Steve Valentine – Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
The fourth annual San Bernardino Mountain Pride weekend kicked off in Crestline this year at the Stockade’s “Ya’ll Means All” on Friday night, June 23.
Destiney, of the local graphic arts business, Roxxi Studios, said, “The place was packed and the performers and DJ Jory were awesome – a real throwback to the 70s and 80s. It was so nice to attend such an inclusive event with mountain locals welcoming everyone to the community.”
On Saturday, the “rainbow” torch was passed on to Blue Jay at Spade & Spatula with happy hour promotions all day long. Over at Lake Arrowhead Village, the parking lot swelled to capacity on the upper and lower levels just before 11:00 a.m. for the celebration of the 2023 Pride boat parade.
Eagerly awaiting supporters made their way down the gangplank to board the Arrowhead Queen including Brianne, a top executive at a large social media company, who splits residence between Los Angeles and her Crestline home. Those who didn’t buy a ticket, like seniors Patricia and Rick, grabbed a spot in front of Belgian Waffle Works to view the festivities and watch the parade of more than 40 elaborately decorated boats come swinging into the bay.
It was a full house at Center Stage for the Pride festivities.
Next on the agenda, visitors and residents headed to Center Stage at Lake Arrowhead Village for Jewels, the returning mistress of ceremonies, and a program filled with dynamic diva drag performers – the Emmy-nominated Delta Work, Mayhem Miller, Pop Star “DEV” and DJ Bad Martian.
The performers at Center Stage included Delta Work, Jewels and Mayhem Miller.
Event organizers Matt Clevenger and Wesley Lynn welcomed the audience and thanked the sponsors, including the Lake Arrowhead Village, Lake Arrowhead Events, Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company and dozens of others (listed on the IG page) for their support this year.
The “queens” then worked the stage and sashayed through a standing-room-only crowd of families, seniors and LGBTQ+ attendees from the mountain communities and from down the hill. Even pets got into the act with colorful tutus on their haunches.
Partners Graham Smith and Mark Goodwin were joined by Israel (Izzy) Nunez and “groomer to the stars” Michael Ashton, all local residents.
After everyone took a short disco nap, the party and celebration continued over to The Tudor House for “The Rawring Twenties,” a sold-out dance party and more entertainment. Owner John Conner said, “This was a fantastic event and I’m so happy to host this community in my venue. I can’t wait to have them back.”
For more information or to get involved with other events, visit LakeArrowheadLGBTQ on or the website, https://lakearrowheadlgbtq.org.
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