Gay Campers Happier Now

By CAROLYN SZCZEPANSKI

In June, Pride Revolution Events hosted a blow-out gathering up at Smithville Lake. Dozens of gay, lesbian, bi- and transexual campers enjoyed an evening under the stars — imbibing alcohol through beer bongs and mingling with friends as a mobile DJ pumped out music. The party was a huge success, organizers say, and the park rangers were nothing but courteous of their guests’ festivities.

So, the second weekend in July, Pride Revolution planned a second campout at Longview Lake. That gathering was tame in comparison, but more than 50 campers were evicted after just one night’s stay. The rude dismissal caused outrage and allegations of discrimination on the part of the Jackson County Parks employees. This morning, though, a meeting in the Jackson County Courthouse might have cooled the controversy — and mitigated the threat of a lawsuit.