In the ongoing negotiations over how to move forward with Pink Saturday the traditional Saturday night sh*tshow in the Castro post-Dyke March, pre-Pride parade day the LGBT Center has stepped up to take responsibility for managing the event after the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence decided to bow out this year. In a statement, Supervisor Scott Wiener said, "I can’t thank the SF LGBT Center and the Mayor’s Office enough for stepping up to make sure Pink Saturday continues this year. This is such an important event for our community, and I look forward to working closely with the Center to bring everyone together for this great celebration and to make sure it's a safe event that celebrates Pride."
He adds that the Center will have "big shoes to fill," after the Sisters managed the event for the past 19 years. but I’m confident that we can all work together to make this year’s Pink Saturday a success.
In a surprise move, the Center wants to have more music, food, and entertainment than in previous years, as the BAR reports, "as a way to instill a celebratory mood."
Says Rebecca Rolfe, executive director of the Center, "I think one of the goals is to really build on the Sisters' legacy and continue to make this more of an event about community and a celebration about the LGBT community and culture. More entertainment and activities will be a part of that."
As discussed earlier, Pink Saturday and Pride weekend in general (June 26 to 28) is expected to be huger than usual this year, assuming the Supreme Court's decision legalizing gay marriage nationwide arrives that week, as is expected. Typically at least 10,000 people descend on the Castro that evening, many coming from Dolores Park and Dyke March in the Mission (which does not usually wrap up until 7:30 or so).
How the City plans to clear the streets by force at 8 p.m. remains to be seen.
Brace yourselves, everyone.
Previously: Castro Braces For Big Pink Saturday/Pride Weekend As Sisters Bow Out As Organizers