The Fifth Annual “Out In Sayville” Festival, a day of celebration and diversity, was held June 9, 2007. This attracted gay and straight individuals and families from all over Long Island to celebrate the economic, cultural and historical bonds between Sayville and its neighboring community across the Great South Bay, Cherry Grove on Fire Island.

The mission of this full day festival was to promote awareness and pride of the GLBT community through a grassroots partnership with the Chambers of Commerce of both communities. All proceeds raised from Out In Sayville events went directly to Thursday’s Child, a local non-profit community-based charity which provides housing and emergency services to our Long Island neighbors living with, and affected by, HIV and AIDS.

This year’s event included an art exhibition at the Gillette House featuring fine art by local artists, musical performances at the Common Ground Park and along Main Street, vaudeville entertainer Chip Bryant, and special appearances by Randy of WBLI’s popular morning show (106.1 FM), Tim Steffan (co-author of The Adventures of Baby Cat in Cherry Grove), and Greg Fox (Kyle’s Bed and Breakfast). Main Street supporters included more than 50 local businesses (including the Sayville Inn, Runaway Bay Books, Kay Cameron Jewelers) as well as corporate chains (Starbucks and Washington Mutual Bank).

Since 2003, rainbow flags have covered Sayville during the Out In Sayville festival. Past participants and speakers have included Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, Islip Town Councilmembers Pam Greene and Christopher Bodkin, and New York State Assemblywoman Ginny Fields. Pamela Raymond and Tom Hroncich are the founders of this fun event that marks the beginning of Summer for many who travel to Sayville and the resort communities of Fire Island.

2007 Sayville Activities Included:

Performances by New Century Singers, Allison Paris, Matthew Charles, Cathy Kreger, Mike Bonti, and Chip Bryant.

An art exhibition presented by John Mansueto at BAFFA in the Gillette House featuring works by James Teschner, Lester Sprague, and Ryan Cooney.

Special appearances by Randy of WBLI in the Morning, authors Tim Steffan and Greg Fox, and several elected officials.

Cherry Grove Silent Auction:

Featuring items donated by members of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce, this year’s auction at the world-famous Ice Palace will be hosted by Ariel Sinclair, Sal Piro, and Olivia Satine.