Summer Comes to an End

The last week of summer was a mad rush of activity, especially Labor Day Weekend. It was as if everyone, all at once realized, that life was coming to an end and every event had to be attended. This isn’t a bad thing, but listening to tourists, seasonal workers and friends lament their exodus from Provincetown made me once again thankful to be living here (even though at times the sand does close in on ya).

Ironically enough, the streets are still full of boys and tourists. It seems as though no one told them the season has ended. The telltale is at The Art House, Crown and Anchor and Post Office Cabaret where the show advertisements have been removed and nothing but black space remains.

So my week was action packed (get your mind out of the gutter). It was the culmination of an incredibly busy summer.

It started out Monday night with John, Brian and I going to see “Shut Up Sweet Charlotte” at The Art House Theatre. Varla Jean was one of the stars and this was a brilliantly funny remake of the old Betty Davis flick. What a fun way to start the last week of the season.

Tuesday, I was up early and heading to Hyannis to catch the boat to Nantucket for my weekend, Tuesday and Wednesday. Friends Mark and Duncan had rented a house on Starbuck Road (like the café, without the “s” on the end… that’s how its known) and offered me a room for my “Saturday” night. 

The fast ferry ride from Hyannis was quite the experience. I climbed on board expecting something similar to the ride from Boston to Ptown. Instead of squeaky queens excited for a weekend in Ptown, it was filled with white, corporate vacationers. I could feel the stress in the air. Polo shirts tucked into pleated shorts and loafers with no socks. Those “high end” straights sure liked to drink and there was a huge line at the snack bar as I went to get my morning coffee.

I sat next to two guys who I perceived as possible sisters. Those of you that know me probably already guessed. My gaydar is as accurate as John McCain’s pick for a scandal free running mate and the two guys were as straight as they come. One even carried a gun. So I sat silently while little children screeched and lined up to pet the only dog on the boat ... brought on by a soccer mom who insisted on sitting next to me. Are dogs even allowed on the ferry? I read the Boston Globe and blended in as best I could. But I did feel the stares. I’m not sure how a tight pink pull over and daisy dukes were inappropriate wear for the Nantucket ferry ride. I jest. I was dressed a little more conservatively. The uneasiness of the ride was pleasantly interrupted by two text messages from Miss Coco Peru. I sent her an email complimenting her Ptown performance and she actually responded. It was fun.

I landed on the rock (as it is called) and met Mark and Duncan who had come to the pier to greet me. How fun. In my tanned state and pencil thin beard, they mentioned that I looked middle eastern coming off the boat. That could explain the looks and whispers.

We rented bikes, hit the beach and had a blast riding all over the island. What a different world. Everything on Nantucket that we saw was nearly perfect and pristine. Most families had nannies taking care of the kids. At times I felt like it was 1920. The second day we hit another beach, “Surfside.” We found the boys, quite by accident, and it was fun. The six of us, all gathered in one spot. I did get some tips from a Facebook buddy as to where to go for entertainment and gay friendly atmosphere.

Tuesday night, we made dinner at home, all had facials and watched Hillary Clinton speak at the convention. What a truly relaxing time, away from the crazy gayness of Provincetown.

My last day there, I happened to meet a really nice guy named Clay. Apparently, there is a gay Nantucket, its just subdued and not “in your face.” As I was parting Wednesday night, I ran into Bruce, a successful real estate investor who I used to work for in Boston. We discussed how Nantucket is becoming gayer. Hmmm. Lets keep an eye on this. It seems to still be hush, hush.

Anyhow, back to my little island and Labor Day Weekend. It was very busy in the real estate end of things. There were a lot of showings…maybe a sign that things are turning around. Who knows.

Friday night, the entire staff of Atlantic Bay Sotheby’s went to dinner at Frappo and to see Varla Jean. We advertised in her show this year. It was my third time seeing her show for the season, and still fun.

Saturday night was the Art Auction for The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. A lot of money was raised for the group. Due to town hall being condemned, the location of the auction, was the fish barn at the end of Cabral Pier. Here’s some news…the large barracks barge that has been tied up there for five years will be removed from the pier shortly.

There was a huge white party in the west end of town at Delft Haven this past weekend. My duties kept me at the auction but friends say it was fun.

Mark, Anthony, John, Rich and I dined at Front Street Sunday night. The meal was good. Read this week’s "Table for Three" for more details. Then it was off to see Jackie Beat. It was her last show and the one that I had not seen. She was crass as heck yet lots of fun. Hedda Lettuce meets Varla Jean with a sprinkling of Pearlene.

After the show it was “Vault at Large at The Paramount.” I donned my leather drag once again and went out for fun. The music was good, men were cute and a fun night was had. A few moments at Spiritus afterwards was a nice way to end the night.

Monday night I went to Showgirls with John, Mark and Rich. We got in line too late and had to sit towards the rear which blocked some of our view. But the show was fun nonetheless. Next week is the last Showgirls of the season. It seems as if I just wrote about the first one.

Next week, I’ll talk about some news in town. “Swim for Life” is happening next Saturday. This is yet another great fundraiser for our local help organizations. The events, shows and parties will slowly stop now that summer has gone.

What an amazing summer this has been and there is definitely some sadness at seeing it go.

Thanks for reading and please send me an email if there is anything you’d like me to discuss or if you have feedback on any entry. mike.dubour@verizon.net