 |  Please join us October 19 - 26, 2008 |
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| Please join us October 19 - 26, 2008 |
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What a week it was! Every time I go to Provincetown and experience the excitement, love, adventure, growth and fun of FF, I am amazed that such a thing even exists. Imagine living full time as your femme self for a whole week in a town where you are welcome and loved. There’s no other event like it.
Sunday I arrived by car about noon, and checked into my inn. After hugs and kisses with my friends the innkeeper and staff of Fairbanks Inn, I hurried off to the office to help with registration. The office worked very smoothly this year, and registration was quick, efficient and easy. But registering was just the beginning.
I hopped back to my inn (it’s about 25 yards from headquarters,) freshened myself and changed. Of course, I kept running into old friends and also began meeting some of the first timers. Some folks took advantage of the special dinner offer from the Crown & Anchor, while others decided to wait till a bit later and chow down on snacks. So, for me, it was a minute to unpack and relax. At 7.30 the owners of the Crowne Pointe Inn held a wine and canapés reception for us that was nothing short of wonderful. There were hot hors d’oeuvres, pitchers of Cosmopolitans, and lots of wine. What a splendid way to re-connect with friends and meet new ones. From there we strolled over to the Pied Bar where Lynette, one of the owners of Fairbanks Inn, had arranged for us to be waved in without cover, and also provided more snacks. I danced until I was ready to drop, then moseyed on home for a good sleep.
Monday started with the orientation breakfast where many of the speakers addressed the group and explained what their plans were. The speakers included a representative of the police department – not someone usually welcome by TG folk, but, then, this is Provincetown. After warning us about parking violations (their biggest concern), he went on to explain that Provincetown has a zero tolerance policy for hate crimes and hate incidents. (And, indeed, not a single one was reported, even though Dallas did have her jacket stolen; but that wasn’t a hate crime, it was a love-that-jacket crime.) The orientation was followed by a tram ride through town and the local area.
Lunches this year were held at three different restaurants, Bayside Betsy’s, Napi’s, and the Crown & Anchor. The first offers table service and the others a buffet, but wherever we were the food was first rate. This year the lunch talks were changed to the Keynote sessions, and were not taking place in the restaurant, a speaking venue no one was ever crazy about (Napi’s notwithstanding.) So, following lunch folks made their way to the C&A Cabaret for the speaker.
Your esteemed FF-ANN editor and Program Chair, Miqqi Alicia Gilbert, unexpectedly ended up presenting the very first Fantasia Fair Keynote address when a miscommunication prevented the scheduled speaker from appearing. It was an unexpected thrill, and even more so when it appeared that the keynote series was a big hit (especially after I changed the name from Plenary Sessions.) After Monday, the schedule held, and the remainder were delivered by Alison Laing, Donna Cartwright, Abby Saypen and company, Vern Porter, and Diane Ellaborn.
Monday evening was the annual Diversity Dinner at the UU Meeting House. The public are invited to this dinner, and many come every year. Wraps, chips and beverages were offered to FanFair attendees and, for a nominal price, to members of the community. The dinner was followed by a film at the new Whaler’s Wharf, the first Ptown showing of Myth of Father. The movie was produced and created by Paul Hill whose father, Jodie, transitioned to woman. Jodie is a past FF girl, and quite a few there knew her. A discussion followed the film and it was fascinating to hear the different reactions.
Tuesday, like every day, was full of workshops and presentations. Sandra Cole was continuing her wonderful work with couples, with gals at the Fair without their partners, and, new this year, transgals whose partners were working with her. Sandra’s tireless work was, as always, immensely popular. Other discussion groups ranged from gender diversity through poetry writing. And, off course, Fashion Show and Follies preparations were beginning. Tuesday was sunny and cool, so there was no fear of makeup melt down, and the streets were quiet enough for relaxed strolling and shopping. One nice thing was when I was walking down the street and a car stopped beside me. “Miqqi!” shouted some women who recognized me. “What nights are the Fashion show and Follies? We don’t want to miss anything!” It’s wonderful. That week we OWN Provincetown.
Tuesday night was the premiere banquet of the newly founded RLE, Inc, (Real Life Experience, Incorporated,) the new organization that runs Fantasia Fair. Just like a person, every club, group and organization needs to do some charity work: if we didn’t give back, we would never go forward. In light of this, RLE has formed the Senior Pioneers Fund to help out those of our seniors who sacrificed their long term security in order that we can have the freedoms, comfort and protections we have today. Awards of $2500 each were given to Virginia Prince and Merissa Sherill Lynn. The money was raised primarily by donations, tickets to the Follies and Fashion Show, and other events to which the public comes.
The weather the first few days was cool but sunny. You couldn’t really sit outside for very long, but it was perfect for walking and shopping. Wednesday, however, it rained. Not just a little, but a nice long steady Cape Cod rain that lasted until the evening. Mind you, nothing daunts a FanFair girl, though that morning many did decide to pull the covers up over their heads or sit round the fireplace with a third cup of coffee. The day included some warm spots – workshops from Pat Conover, and the Mary Kay Ladies among others. This was, after all, a big year for makeup, since we had a demonstration of Senegence All Day Makeup and FemmeFever makeovers as well.
Wednesday night was the Fashion Show at the C&A Paramount where regulars and newcomers strutted their stuff. Hosted by myself, Miqqi Alicia, and Andrea Susan (you remember – she’s the other one?), the four outfits each gal presented were interesting, attractive, and fun. As a certain amount of medicinal single malt Scotch was consumed, the commentary become funnier as the show progressed. Many in the enthusiastic audience claimed it was the best ever. I can’t say I remember much.
Thursday the sun shone again, and there were a group of fascinating discussions and workshops. Dr. Trankila ran one on children of TGs, and there was also one on safe sex, and several others. Thursday evening began with a cocktail party from 4 – 6 pm hosted by Andy, the landlord of Roomers Inn. There was lots to drink and plenty to eat – I’m sure many gals never did go out to dinner. The evening was free after that to allow for times to visit with friends and strike out on one’s own. I ended up having a splendid dinner with a group, and then sitting around yakking until about 1 am.
Friday’s choice of workshops ranged from an introduction to hormones to a workshop with Niela Miller on dreams and fantasies. But for some of us, Friday meant one thing: Follies day. For us, the afternoon was spent jumping in and out of, rehearsal sandwiched by shopping and coffee. The show itself was a smash success and played to a full house in the Paramount Theatre. The work put in by Jamie D., the producer, Holly B., the director, and Emily, the stage manager, resulted in a fine and smooth running show. Everyone had a ball.
Saturday began gloomy and kept its promise of foul weather. Why does it rain on banquet night? Well, don’t worry, the FF committee met and we’ve passed a resolution excluding rain on banquet night, so it won’t happen again. All the talks that day proceeded without a hitch, and the banquet at Michael Shay’s was, as always, delicious and fun. The best part, though, were the awards, and I list them for you here.
Sunday found me stumbling in to Michael Shay’s for a fabulous buffet breakfast that included everything from omelets-to-order to flapjacks and sausages. There were many fond farewells, and not a few people took out their checkbooks to put down a deposit for next year.
In the afternoon, the committee met to re-cap, lay down some ideas and review the Fair so we could do even better next year. We felt good, but there’s always room for improvement. That night a few stragglers had a wonderful dinner at Front Street Restaurant, and an early night to bed. It had been a great week full of adventure, love and fun. And think, it’s only 358 days to the next Fantasia Fair.
