Fantasia Fair and Round Up

Don’t forget to vote on November 4th. This election is very important for so many reasons. Here’s a chilling fact; hate crimes in general have decreased across the nation while crimes against gays and lesbians have increased. Electing a Democrat to the presidency along with the Democratic Congress for at least two years is more promising for us than having a Republican in the white house. Ok I’ll get off the box. 

Here’s why places like Provincetown are still so important and valuable.

Fantasia Fair occurred this week. There is truly nowhere on Earth where hundreds of transgender folk come to town, have fun and address issues that face their subculture without being harassed. Provincetown openly welcomed them to town for their weeklong conference. All week, cross dressers, their friends and family walked Commercial Street, shopped and socialized. It was fun to “people watch” this week with no judgment, only acceptance in my heart (except for the occasional unfortunate outfit). All walks of life are welcome here and part of what makes this place so very special.

The Round Up was also here this week. Celebrating 21 years, “Serenity by The Sea” was a success. I met many interesting people at the event from all over the country. In particular, my new friends from Philadelphia are extra special. I met Chris and Tom early in the week and for me, there was an instant connection. Later, I was introduced to the rest of their group… Jack and Philip. We all cliqued and I was sad to see them leave. I think I may be going to Philly for a visit. 

Part of the Round Up included a variety show which was attended by close to 500 gays and lesbians. It was a lot of fun, especially my friend’s imitation of Phyllis Diller…dead on.

This Friday is Halloween and means the town will be absolutely packed. If you haven’t been to Provincetown for Halloween, than get your fanny here. It rivals Salem, Ma in intensity, only Provincetown is full of talented and creative straight and gay folk who want to have happy fun… Salem can get a bit rough. But here the costumes are outrageous. Every bar has a contest or you can just walk up and down Commercial Street. It is like a parade. I still have to buy some candy as I usually get about a hundred trick or treat'rs. Since it falls on a Friday, the town will be mobbed.

That’s it for this week. I’ll let you know how Halloween was. Friends are coming from Boston and want me to dress up. I’m not too sure about that.

Email me if you have a comment mike.dubour@verizon.net and remember to play it safe and VOTE!

From Women's Week to Nantucket and Back

Women’s Week was here! It was the 24th year women converged on our lovely hamlet to celebrate womanhood. The town was busy with ladies who came for fun, shows and workshops. I went away for two days.

Getting off our “island” for my weekend to Nantucket was quite fun. It is nice to see another Cape Cod resort town in the throws of a shoulder season. The weird part was that no stores offered an end of season discount like Provincetown. Some stores here are offering 70% off merchandise before closing for the winter.
John, Tony and I took the slow ferry Tuesday morning in part because we were in no hurry to be anywhere. What a tremendous feeling that was. We sat in the “first class” section of the slow ferry to Nantucket. Now don’t get too excited, first class on this ferry means padded chairs, free coffee and a Danish pastry. How can one resist for the $7.00 surcharge?

My last trip to the rock was in August and I travelled on the fast ferry surrounded by corporate weekenders seeking a retreat from their lives. This time, we were surrounded by an elderly travel group. The soft classical music was quickly drowned out by men and women yelling to hear themselves. No harm was done though but the pastry disappeared rather quickly.

I know you’re reading this because you want to know about Ptown, so I’ll explain the Nantucket get away quickly. It was nice to walk down the street and not know anyone. The cobblestone streets are beautiful and downtown Nantucket is quite nice, as if a gay man designed it. I’m not complaining about Provincetown and I love running into friends here, that’s one of its charms, but it was a nice break. We stayed at a lovely B+B called The Anchor Inn. It was located in town. We walked everywhere and I didn’t rent a bike this time. We dined at Lo La 41 at the referral of a friend who has a home on Nantucket. I asked him for a chic and stylish eatery for the upwardly mobile who come to play. Of course I knew I‘d find some sisters there…. and we did… we sat right next to a lovely gay couple visiting the island from Denver, Colorado. We even spied a few others tipping their martinis and laughing. The dinner was delicious, atmosphere pleasant and service excellent. I highly recommend the place.

John and I toured the island on Wednesday. We saw a historic old house, windmill and lighthouse that was just moved due to erosion. We were informed that Macy’s Department Store and Folgers Coffee got their starts on the island.

We headed back to mainland on the ferry. Once we landed, we had dinner at a hip restaurant on Main Street in Hyannis called Colombo.

Back in Provincetown, I embraced Women’s Week by attending “The Really Big Show” at the UU Meeting House with Marguerite and Barbara. This two hour extravaganza was attended by at least 300 women. I think I was one of three guys there. It started with the lesbian drum corp…pretty wild percussionists…yes, I got totally into it. The hostess Mimi Gonzalez introduced the acts…there were opera singers, drag kings (very interesting) Broadway singers, a pianist, comedians and my favorite; The Mount Holyoke College Glee Club sang do- wop. . I bought four of their cds after the show. Next year, I plan to attend more of the shows for Women’s Week…what a fun part of our subculture.

Tonight, I attended a classical piano recital at the UU Meeting House. My friend John Stott performed numerous classical pieces from Chopin, Beethoven and Listz…from memory. It was amazing and his hands literally danced over the ivory.

This week Fantasia Fair starts. It is a particularly fun week with the cross dressers here in town. Most of them have their wives with them. I’m serious. I love seeing their outfits.

Well, that’s it for this week. Nothing Earth shattering happening out here. Keep reading and have a fun week. Remember to play it safe. mike.dubour@verizon.net

An Amazing Gay Wedding, and More

I’m writing this after attending an amazing gay wedding. I feel high with the good time that this event was. My friends Phillip and Scott were married at The Provincetown Inn. Phillip is Jewish and Scott a Christian… the wedding was an amazing mix of both religions…more Christian, however. 

The weather was absolutely beautiful as they exchanged vows with Provincetown Harbor and skyline as a backdrop. I thought that maybe someday I will be married. Then I laughed…not sure I believe in that institution at this point in my life. Gay marriage is now legal in MA, CT and CA. It will be a matter of time before gay marriage is just not an issue. With the economy in shambles, a depressing war taxing our nerve and AIDS making a comeback…the fact that two people want to exchange vows and commit to each other legally, is not so important. At least it shouldn’t be.

Anyhow, the wedding was quite traditional and the setting was marvelous. The Tiffany Room at the inn was the perfect place for the reception. There was the Christian blessing, they were married under their own chuppa, we all yelled mazel tov after the grooms smashed the glass, the meal blessing, the first dance, the hora dance, we carried one groom on a chair while dancing (the other groom didn’t want to be carried), the cutting of the cake… it was by all means the way life is supposed to be. A huge mix of about 200 friends and relatives were there. Phillip and Scott are truly blessed. Good luck guys.

Now about Provincetown. The large Navy barracks boat that was here for the past five years, was towed away last week. It is gone. The empty space was sadly noticeable until I realized that it really was an eyesore. Cabral Wharf looks great now.

It's Women’s Week and there are many shows happening. Lots of talent in town and the weather is unbelievable and the streets are crowded. My dear friends Barb, Marguerite, Laurie, Elaine, Rich, Mark and Bill dined at Fanizzi’s Saturday night. We had a great time and Tanya provided excellent service. We were at dinner for three hours!

Well I’m off to Nantucket for my weekend with my friends Tony and John. I know you want to see more pictures and I’ll provide some of the trip next week.

Thanks for your emails and for reading. Have a good week and play it safe. Send me an email… I love them mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Pumpkins and Scarecrows

Pumpkins and scarecrows are popping up all over Commercial Street. Fall is here. It’s the time to shop as most retail stores have discounted their goods considerably.


This past weekend was Leather Mates in Provincetown. There were lots of leather and chains on Commercial Street. Friday night was the slave auction at The Crown and Anchor. I lasted ten minutes and had to leave. It just wasn’t my scene. In fact, most of the events of weekend were of no interest to me. That particular subculture has never been a draw for me. I had tried it back in the spring and it didn’t stick.
This week, I’d like to provide a link to my friend Monica’s blog. She rode across country solo on her motorcycle from Manhattan to California. I think this is pretty awesome and courageous. Click here to read about it.

We dined at The Mews this past week. The usually impeccable service was thrown off a bit by one of our meals being a little less than perfect... read about it in this week’s "Table for Three."


I’ll write more next week. Columbus Day Weekend is coming, Women’s Week and I’m going to Nantucket for a couple days for a fall weekend. Email me if you’d like to add anything mike.dubour@verizon.net ... Play it safe and have a good week.