Foster wins Democratic Party booth giveaway
Prize winner Gwen Foster and her daughter, Allison Strunk, are pictured. (Submitted photos)
Gwen Foster of Lynchburg was all smiles Saturday when she topped off a day of rainbows, music and hospitality with a surprising win at Hillsboro Pride in Liberty Park.
With 31 vendors and exhibitors, multiple musical artists, food trucks and over 500 other attendees, there was plenty to see and enjoy. Accompanied by her daughter, Allison Strunk, Gwen returned several times to the Highland County Democratic Party booth, thinking wishfully about the colorful party basket packed with everything for a fancy teddy bear’s picnic, including the teddy bear. She filled out her entry with the lowest of expectations.
Allison says, “We really had a great day. We had the honor of seeing Michael Chanak, a gay rights icon from Cincinnati; we ran into the hysterical comedian, Neilly Fletcher from Montgomery, Ohio; and had a Streetpop popsicle. Then, on the way home, we got a phone call that Mom won the gift basket raffle from the Highland County Democratic booth. It was her very first Pride event, and she hit the lottery.”
This was the fifth year for the Pride event. Committee member Linda Emery says, “We welcomed the most booths we’ve had this year, and the most attendees. There were people of all ages, not just from Highland County, but the surrounding areas, too, just enjoying themselves, gathering with friends and family, sharing the day with music and good food, lots of colorful giveaways and affordable accessories, and, of course, compliments on T-shirts and fashion choices. It was just a very nice community event.”
Allison says her mother hasn’t unpacked her party basket yet: “It’s too pretty to take apart, but she did take out that bear.”
