All final plans have been set for tomorrow's Pride Commitment Ceremony to be held in HUB Alumni Hall at 1 p.m.
Four gay and lesbian couples, State College Mayor Bill Welch and Commitment Ceremony Coordinator Tom Koerber met tonight in 102 Boucke for a rehearsal dinner and to finalize the last minute details for the ceremony.
The couples talked about their nerves, excitement and anxiousness for the ceremony as they ate dinner provided by Clem's BBQ.
Koerber said the couples were invited to Maneline Salon Systems, 329 E. Calder Way, for styling and breakfast tomorrow. After that, the couples will go to Chumley's, 108 W. College Ave., which will open at 10 a.m. for drinks and conversation.
"My only real concern about the ceremony is that no one falls off the stage, so go easy on the mimosas," Welch said.
In addition to Welch, Chairman of the PA Human Relations Commission Steve Glassman will speak at the ceremony, Koerber said.
The couples agreed that any monetary gifts will be donated to The AIDS Project.
After dinner, the couples, who seemed anxious, jittery and generally excited, practiced a run through of the ceremony in the first floor hall in Boucke.
Koerber said the ceremony is expected to last until 2:15, after which photographs will be taken, and the reception is expected to begin at 2:30 p.m.
In response to the ceremony, the Pennsylvania Family Values Coalition, a newly-founded organization started by Faith Baptist Church of Altoona's Rev. Gary Dull, will hold a rally in support of biblical and traditional family and heterosexual relationships outside of Old Main from 2 to 4 p.m.
