At Fair Day in Victoria Park, expect performances, outrageous costumes, food tents, bars, live music, amusement rides and the hotly contested Doggywood pet pageant.
Says Lord Mayor, Clover Moore “Fair Day celebrates the start of one of our biggest parties – each year Sydney Mardi Gras attracts about 25,000 tourists who boost our local economy by more than $30 million.
“The event shows that we are an accepting and welcoming community and also helps to promote Sydney around the world as Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) capital.
The City is promoting “riding a bike as the best way to get to Fair Day, and will provide free valet parking to keep bikes safe and secure while everyone enjoys the fun of the fair."
There is also a stall where new or out-of-action riders can Try2Wheels; preparing themselves for the wider world and Sydney roads and maybe joining the 30,000 people already riding in Sydney each week.
According to Sydney Spokes President Mauricio Herrera cycling is not only good exercise, but also “a fantastic way to meet other gays and lesbians.”
“I moved to Erskineville from Venezuela about four years ago and joined Sydney Spokes because I wanted the opportunity to ride with someone else and get to know Sydney – it’s helped me make a great new group of friends,” Mr Herrera said.
“Sydney Spokes has been around for 27 years and we have more than 60 gay and lesbian members who meet up almost every weekend for organised rides."
City of Sydney Fair Day bike details:
- Free valet bike parking from 10am-7.30pm, entry via City Road near Cleveland Street
- Visit the two bike mechanics next to the Bike Valet for free tune-ups
- Try2Wheels between 10am and 7.30pm and visit the information stand in Area G to try a bike, pick up a map, find information about free bike courses, check out the latest accessories, and go in the draw for great prizes, including a brand-new bike
- The Sydney Cycleways stand will sit alongside gay and lesbian cycling group Sydney Spokes in the Fair Day Sports Village organised by Team Sydney
For more information about the City’s bike network visit sydneycycleways.net
