Get ready to soak up the last rays of summer for a great cause! Washington County Gay-Straight Alliance, Inc. (WCGSA) is hosting its “Gayer Than a Picnic Basket” fundraiser on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Washington Park Stone Pavilion. Running from noon to 6:00 p.m., the afternoon will feature live drag performances, music, summer lawn games, and community connection. Admission includes a full picnic lunch served from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., along with free soft drinks and water. Alcoholic beverages will be available. Attendees must be 18 or older to join the festivities and 21 or older to drink.
“This event is such a vibrant highlight of our summer season, bringing everyone together for a day of celebration, joy, and visibility,” says Kathy Cameron, Board Chair of WCGSA, Inc. “Every ticket purchased directly supports our year-round programming, ensuring we can continue providing vital resources and safe spaces for our local LGBTQ+ community. We can’t wait to see everyone out at the pavilion!”
Organizers strongly encourage purchasing tickets early to assist with food planning and headcount. Attendees can purchase online pre-sale tickets for $30 through Eventbrite. Day-of tickets will also be available at the check-in table for $35. Grab your friends, secure your spots early, and help support the essential work of WCGSA, Inc.!
The Washington County Gay-Straight Alliance was formed in November 2005 as an adult-facilitated peer support group for local LGBTQA+ youth. The WCGSA was created to fill a vital need for safe spaces and social resources in a region where such programs were historically scarce. Founded by Kathy Cameron and a dedicated group of advocates, the alliance officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2012 and earned its 501(c)(3) status in 2014. In 2017, the organization established a permanent home base at The CENTER on Strawberry in Washington, PA, allowing it to expand far beyond its initial youth focus. Today, the WCGSA offers year-round programming spanning all age groups, including senior support networks, peer recovery groups, open mic nights, trans and non-binary discussion spaces, and local oral history projects.