Aniwa to host event for pride, inclusion

Pride and inclusivity is at the forefront for Aniwa from June 17-19 as the Motorama Auto Museum hosts the Central Wisconsin Pride event for visitors to to meet and greet each other, while camping in Aniwa for the weekend.

“In today’s world, this is a celebration of inclusivity,” said organizer Lola Zak, who added this is the third year the museum has hosted the event. “This is an effort to have a get-together and meet people who are similar to you, whether you are gay, straight, lesbian, white, African-American — anyone.”

Zak said that Central Wisconsin Pride is a culmination of various events that started on Oak Island Park in Wausau.

“Wausau recently had a pride event — you have a lot of towns that have their own little event,” said Zak. “The difference here is that people are going to come from all over, primarily north-central Wisconsin. It is a camping weekend held at the Motorama Auto Museum and Events Grounds.”

During the event, visitors can look forward to 28 performers performing in a newcomer drag show, a pride pageant, a crowning ceremony, karaoke, burlesque, a fashion show, tubing and music. Visitors can also expect food vendors, a flea market and a chance to win a trip to the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.

“A lot of people do not understand what a drag show is,” said Zak. “When you say drag show, you think about guys wearing skirts dancing around. That is where it started years ago, but these days it is all kinds of entertainers.”

Zak highlighted the pageant as an event that may interest visitors on Friday.

“The pageant is where we elect a queen and a king and they are representatives for the next year, going to other events,” said Zak.

According to Zak, Saturday kicks off with a family drag show.

“Last year, we had a girl who was dressed up like Kermit the Frog and played a guitar,” said Zak. “There will be a lot of families and kids because these people are the supporters and allies of equality and inclusivity.”

Zak added that Saturday will also feature a fashion show.

“The fashion show is for the spectators,” said Zak. “A lot of people that come to these events dress in all kinds of rainbow clothing and so we invite them on stage and give away prizes for kids and adults. That time is also when we will give away the trip to Chula Vista.”

After the fashion show, the featured drag show takes center stage.

“These are the professionals who come from all over the state,” said Zak. “That is a two-hour show. This is the featured show.”

Sunday kicks off with brunch hosted by drag queens, before ending with a tubing trip down the Eau Claire River.

“They tour back to the campgrounds and everyone goes their separate ways as the campground closes at 5 p.m.,” said Zak. “This is a weekend packed with entertainment.”

Zak said that to purchase a RV site for three days is $75 and $50 to have a tent site. Those who are not planning on staying overnight at the campsite can enter the event for $10 and no cost for children.

“This event is open to everyone,” said Zak. “We get a lot of locals and people that say I am completely straight, but come because this is really entertaining. There is a lot of showmanship. We do things that you don’t necessarily see in central Wisconsin.”

Last year, Zak said that there were over 300 people camping.

“We expect to have more than that this year,” said Zak.

Zak added that the Motorama takes part in hosting this event to get people out of their houses and meet others who may have similar or different ideas and interests.

“In the world right now, there is a lot of tribalism and hate from group to group,” said Zak. “Having any event that brings people together is a good thing. We had a guy who attended last year, who said that he was straight and just wanted to see entertainment. He left here saying that these are actually good people and that he had fun. That is what we are trying to do with this event.”

For more information, people interested in attending the event can visit https://www.centralwipride.org.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com