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.

Open Embrace for Autumn

Fall has officially started and I’ve been asked to stop bitching about the season ending. I will and openly embrace the chilly weather and foliage trips. There is fun during these months as the warmth slowly leaves us, clouds and darkness move in and the days get shorter. There is that pleasant smell of wood burning in the air.
The crowds have finally left Commercial Street and the off-season has begun.

We’ve had some miserable weather while The Tennessee Williams Festival was in town. But, I frankly didn’t care and never made it to any of the events. I did have good intentions and was going to attend at least one. I’m just burned out from the summer and need to recharge. The doggie tea dance took place at The Boatlsip and Pia wanted to go, but the cold rainy weather, combined with my desire to stay indoors, kept me away.

Yes, I’ve been a recluse this past week… so sue me. LOL.

I did go to a fundraiser for WildCare at Front Street with Rich. It was a multi course meal. Everything was absolutely delicious. Shrimp tempura, lobster tail, filet mignon, etc…

Saturday, I dined at Victor’s with friends Scott and John who introduced me to two new friends. It was a fun time with great food.

Sunday, Mark, Rich and I ate a simple meal at George’s Pizza. I’m just getting in winter mode and slowing down a bit. 

Rich officially started his company RKM Property Management which brings back memories of me moving here with an ex. He’s going to do very well with the business.

That’s it. Basically, it was just a week to socialize.

Leather Mates weekend is coming up starting Friday. I hear there is a slave auction…hmmmmm. Besides barbeques and other fun, who knows what trouble we can all get into.

A little bit of town gossip: Pat Fecher was promoted to Associate Executive Director of The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. Good luck to her…she will be amazing in the position. Her former position of Public Affairs Director is open…thinking of making a move here???

Not much else to report this week.

Drop me a line at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you want. Thanks for reading and play it safe.

It's Official, The Secret is Out

As I was driving from the east end to the west end on an appointment last week, it occurred to me… in late September, this trip, down Bradford Street, should only take 5 minutes… not the 15 it would eventually take. September has always been our little gem of a month. Warm weather, warm water and small crowds… It truly still seems like August out here.

Not much happening this week. I went to perhaps my last tea dance two Sunday’s ago. Tea will happen on Friday and Saturday only through early October… which means pretty much… its over.

Now I’m not one to bitch….but….the gossip for this blog is my irritation at what seems to be a huge waste of tax payer money in Provincetown.

For those of you who are familiar with the town, Route Six, at the intersection of Shank Painter Road, will be narrowed to a two lane highway heading west. Why? Who knows, I think someone feels it’s a public safety hazard. The true hazard is using taxpayer money in a recession to fund a silly project. The existing system works. In five + years that I have lived here, there have been no issues that need attention. Maybe some construction group needs a contract and they know the right peeps.

Ok, that’s enough. This will all take place next to the new dog park, which my friend Barbara, or Babs, as we call her, is helping to build. The high fence has been put up and the park is coming together. It will be a great place for our puppies to play. Speaking of that, this coming weekend is dog tea at The Boatslip…. It includes a fashion show for your canine companion…

If you stand at The Boatslip and look directly across the street. The house that used to sit there has been demolished. The entire rear section has been ripped off…. The interior of the remaining structure gutted and the house moved on the sidewalk. Its pretty cool in all honesty.

All this and The Historic Commission actually approved it. Everyone else has a hard time getting dormers and flower boxes…. Wow…. can you say “ole boy?” My prediction is that the house will be demolished due to it being unsafe. As I write this I’ve heard two very large banging noises and vibrations coming from that area.

Other stuff… Connie’s Bakery, located near my house, has reverted to shoulder season hours. This means Thursday through Sunday only for the yummies.

I want to send out a hello this week to two new friends Jose and Jay. They are wonderful guys, and cute, who visited from Boston and we had a lot of fun.

John, mark and I dined at Bistro 404 the other night at the recommendation of friends Jose and Jay. Click here to read John’s write up on this week’s Table for Three.

That’s it for now. Have a great week and play it safe. Email me if you want to provide input, mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Has Summer Really Ended?

Ok. So its after Labor Day and usually Commercial Street empties of the crowds and madness. This year seems different. As I was enjoying a slice of Spiritus pizza with a co-worker, mid week, we watched shirtless boys and throngs of tourists walk up and down the street, in and out of the shops. Could it be that our secret month has been exposed to all? This morning, as I was walking to JOE to get my Americano, I spotted two queens walking to The Boatslip with towels. It was 84 degrees and sunny!

This past weekend felt like mid August, never mind mid September. Friday night, The Porch Bar was packed full of people. Both indoor bars and the deck were absolutely filled.

Saturday night, Rich, John ad I went to see Jimmy James at The Post Office Cabaret. I must say that the show was great. I really wasn’t motivated to see him, but John wanted to. I am grateful because the show was fantastic. He did three encores… a rarity in ptown and something I don’t think I’ve ever seen. His show, btw was sold out.

Two other shows were sold out; At the Vixen, Sextrology was a hit and my fave…Dina Martina, played at the Crown. Our little hamlet by the bay is becoming a fall destination.

Saturday, I worked the ticket gate and volunteered my time at the WOMR Boogie By the Bay Music Fest. Local bands played while peeps danced in Wellfleet at Mayo Beach. It was a lot of fun.

Here’s a lil bit of gossip to chew on. The Art House Theatre which hosted such luminaries as Varla Jean and Miss Richfield, will stay open year round. Frappo, the delicious high-end buffet restaurant, will close for the winter. In its place, Joe Mama Bagels will operate. Joe Mama’s is located at the end of the Aquarium Mall across from the Gelato place. They have awesome breakfast sandwiches and pressed sandwiches. Right now they only serve breakfast and lunch but may possibly expand hours of operation due to the Art House being open at night.

The Art House will host a variety of events this winter. They will mostly show movies. Currently, a play is being rehearsed that will start right after Women’s Week in mid October and run for three weeks. This is great for us townies looking for something to keep us busy.

Well, keep tuned. The shoulder season is upon us. Womens’ Week is coming up. We’ll be seeing Paula Poundstone, Kate Clinton and Jennifer Coolidge in town. Rumors are starting to circulate that K.D. Lang will be here.

Halloween is always a blast. It rivals Salem, MA in fun and crowds. We take the edge when it comes to costume creativity though.

Single men’s weekend is also approaching with speed dating, workshops and a weekend full of activities.

Thanksgiving is always a busy weekend here, then Holly Folly and the last bang of the year, New Years Eve!

Email me if you have any questions… mike.dubour@verizon.net. Thanks for reading and play it safe.