A free bus will be operating on Pt Chevalier Rd to ferry passengers to and from Auckland's Eighth Annual Big Gay Out fair day at Coyle Park on Sunday 10 February. Organiser Jonathan Smith says the bus, sponsored by Cahill Real Estate and Gay Ski Week, will run from 11:30am to 7:30pm. The bus operates every 20 minutes, and leaves from outside the Countdown supermarket at the top of Pt Chevalier Rd and terminates at the carpark area by Coyle Park. Road closures will be in effect from Joan and Boscowan Street down to the park. "The bus will reduce the amount of traffic on Pt Chevalier Road, as well as congestion for the residents," Smith says. The Big Gay Out regularly attracts crowds in excess of 10,000. Prime Minister Helen Clark, Opposition Leader John Key, and Mayor of Auckland John Banks have confirmed their attendance at this year's event. In addition to the wide variety of food stalls and entertainment on offer, Smith says he's looking forward to the game shows to be held in front of the main stage throughout the afternoon. These include a sack and three-legged race, in additional to old favourites Toss The Handbag and Stiletto Stampede. "You'll need to supply your own favourite pair of stilettos for that one," Smith advises. The Big Gay Out is the flagship event of the month-long Hero Festival in February, which celebrates the diversity of Auckland's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and takataapui communities. It is organised and sponsored by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and Marquis Condoms as a vehicle for raising HIV awareness, encouraging safe sex for gay and bisexual men, and building strong communities. Visit the link below for more information about the Big Gay Out, including a site map and entertainment schedule.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 29th January 2008 - 10:25am