Fantasia Fair Basic Survival Info
Tips for Old Timers & Beginners
So you’re coming to Fantasia Fair. Well, first off, congratulations for giving yourself one of the best adventures your TG
soul will ever have! My first time there I thought I’d died and gone to heaven, and I still look upon FanFair week as one of
the most important of my year. It inspires, reassures, relaxes and rejuvenates, and the friends I see there each year are among the
closest in my life. I know the experience will be as rich for you.
What follows are some tips and tricks to help make your stay at Fantasia Fair the dream you are anticipating. Remember that the
Fair is different from any other TG event because you are not stuck in a hotel, but are out and about most of the time. You go out
to lunches, talks, events and shows. Your inn is your base and place for private relaxation, as well as such pleasures as late evening
girl talk sessions. So, much of the advice below is geared to help you adjust to that special difference.
Think about the schedule when you are packing. Plan out roughly what you will wear each day and each evening, and save space by mixing
and matching. Even if you are driving, Provincetown inns have closets designed for casual wear, so save what space you can. - Do bring flats – the streets of Provincetown are not kind to heels or those intrepid souls who venture out in them. Remember,
you can always wear flats and carry your heels, then change when you get there.
- Take advantage of being out and about at different times and for different purposes to play with outfits. Bring some casual clothes, slacks,
jeans and tops, as well as dresses and gowns. No woman wears formal clothes all the time.
- Speaking of clothes, bring rainwear and something for cool weather. It doesn’t usually get very cold, but it is late October and
by the sea,
- We can’t stress enough that it really is all right to go out and about dressed en femme whenever and wherever you want. And,
for that matter, it’s all right not to dress if you don’t want to,
- Don’t be shy. Talk to people. Join a table at lunch, go over to a group sitting at the bar, strike up a conversation or just
say hello.
The people giving workshops and talks are all experts. Try them, and be sure to do a few that might not even appeal to you that much. You might be surprised. - Bring a bottle (or two) of your favorite drink for house parties and sharing during late-night gab sessions.
- If you like expensive pantyhose, bring plenty. P'town is not the pantyhose capitol of the world.
- We suggest you bring makeup remover towels or baby wipes. Getting our makeup all over the inn’s best towels is not endearing.
- The town really is as friendly as we claim. Sure, some tourists might stare (or pretend not to,) but just give them a wave and a “hi.” You are, after all, part of the reason they took that bus tour.
- Do go into all the shops and browse or buy. It’s end of season in P'town, and there are bargains to be had.
- Put a copy of something with your inn’s address on it into your purse so it can be returned if lost.
- Make sure you get the Fantasia Fair Newsletter each day. It includes the upcoming schedule, as well as changes of time, place and anything
else. It’s generally available in the office by late afternoon. If you are staying at a recommended inn it will be delivered to you by
the biker gals.
- Bring a camera, and remember to ask gals if they mind their picture being taken. Someone with a red dot on their badge is camera shy.
Sign up for the Fashion Show and be a model. If you’ve talent as well, then add the Follies to your activities. Don’t be a watcher,
be a participant.- If you ever get into any kind of trouble or need help for any reason, call the office.
The Fantasia Fair organizing committee consists of Dallas Denny, Stephanie Pierce, Lauren Bode, Jamie Dailey and Miqqi Alicia Gilbert.
Please come to us with any suggestions, and, in any case, be sure to say hello.
This Fair is designed to be a significant experience for you. It may be the first time that you have been dressed and able to move about freely,
walk the streets, meet people, shop and have a drink in a bar without looking over your shoulder. That’s why the organization that runs it
is called RLE – Real Life Experience. This is as close as you can get to the real-life experience of living as a woman without transitioning,
and it’s a heck of a lot of fun with a fair bit of growth as well. Enjoy yourself. Don’t be afraid, and don’t be afraid to be
afraid. This is the most different and exciting TG event in the world, and you are going to experience it and be part of it. Good for you! And be
sure to look for me and all the board members.
Hugs,
Miqqi Alicia Gilbert
PS: Any old-timers with tips to add are welcome to write to comments-at-gilbert1.net and send them along. (Please replace -at- with @)
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