Gay pride pageant returns to Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Beauty, art and entertainment will walk arm in arm through the LGBTQ community and into a north coast venue this weekend. For the first time in 16 years, Sandusky will host a preliminary round of the Ohio Gay Pride Pageantry. The event is 7 p.m. Saturday at HALO Live, 805 Wayne St. Ohio Gay Pride Pageantry was the brainchild of Donnie Miller, who wanted to create a pageantry system that positively promoted the community and was conducted in the most ethical and fair way. The organization is in its 27th year of operation and will return to Sandusky once more through the collective efforts of Shawn Daley and Niki Hvizdoz of HALO Live, and Mr. Ohio Gay Pride 2025, Lex Hunter. The group hopes to follow the success of this initial event with more of similar nature, as to help strengthen the support in and for the area LGBTQ community while continuing to provide a diverse range of entertainment for all to enjoy. Hosted by Ariana Love, the Miss Sandusky, Ladies of Rock beauty pageant will serve as a starting point for LGBTQ area performers who wish to make their way toward being crowned Miss Ohio Gay Pride, as securing a win at this event will advance them to the next level. The contest is open to anyone who identifies, presents or performs under as "miss," regardless of biological sex. Participants must be residents of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Categories of the competition include interview, presentation, creative evening wear, on stage question and talent. In addition to showcasing beauty and talent, the evening will be honoring two special guests: April Evangelista, the last title holder of Miss Sandusky Gay Pride in 2009, and Gya Mongciel J-Love, Miss Ohio Gay Pride 2025. Those interested in participating can register Saturday, the day of the event, for a $75 fee beginning at 4 p.m. Doors to the show open at 7 p.m., with the pageant starting at 8 p.m. Tickets to attend are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door.