by Jeannie

 

 

June 18 was a very special day and night at Cherry Grove; a study in contrasts that exhibited the emotional capacity of the community.

 

The Tonys set the tone, just a week before, the day after the massacre in Orlando, when James Corden prefaced the show with:

 

“…Hate will never win…together we have to make sure of that and celebrate that principle”

 

 And so it was in Cherry Grove, a day that started with an exuberant Gay Pride Parade, with all it colors and creativity. But the evening began on a somber note with a candlelight vigil by the bay as a community mourned.

 

Who knew the Grove fireworks, long planned and community funded, would take on an additional significance representing the indomitable spirit of survival and defiance in all its glory.

 

 Bravo, Cherry Grove!                                                                                                                                                                

 

 

The Parade

Photo Credits: James Belzer & Jerry Ferreira

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              The Candlelight vigil

                                                                              Photos by Just Lorraine

The Fireworks

                                      Photo by Just Lorraine