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Pensacola Rakes in Over $34 Million
As an estimated 50,000 plus revelers made their yearly pilgrimage to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Pensacola, the area raked in millions of dollars. According to a 1994 study by University of West Florida associate professor Steven Philipp, 27,000 Gays and Lesbians visited Pensacola Beach in 1994 bringing in $18.7 million in total spending.
Each individual spent an average of $692 on food, lodging, entertainment and miscellaneous expenditures. Applied to 50,000 revelers, the 1999 coffers brought in $34.6 million to the Pensacola/Ft. Walton Beach area of Florida.
The 1994 survey pointed out that the average income for a Gay male household was $51,325, for a Lesbian household $45,927 versus the average income for a U.S. household [1990 census], $36,520. In recent years, the community at large has recognized the immense multi-billion dollar Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender market.
Many flocked to Gulf Coast Pride, 675 West Garden St., Pensacola. The retail outlet boasts art, gifts and novelties; Gay pride novelties, flags and jewelry; plus Bear, Leather and Christian merchandise.
Doug Burleson, head of the Escambia County Veterans' Round-table, for the first time this year, invited the Gay and Lesbian community to participate in Memorial Day services at Barrancas National Cemetery and throughout the area. According to the Pensacola News Journal, "The invite is extraordinary considering that many conservative veterans have opposed Gays in the military and the groups are at opposite ends of the cultural spectrum."
According to six year president of the veterans group, Burleson, "We would like them not to forget there have been many people of diverse life-styles who have served their country. I would hope that they would take time to come to one of our observances."
Shark Bait in Pensacola
It was our first trek to Pensacola for the huge Memorial Weekend blowout. After settling in Thursday at our Gulf side, private balcony room at Hampton Inn on the Beach, we headed out to the Gay beach area on Friday morning. It was our first visit to a beach in 20 years. With over 3,000 sun worshipers in the area we were walking, it was a sight to behold with all the colorful tents and banners marking the Gay gathering.
Beautiful men and women were everywhere. As we passed one group of hunky men, they yelled out to us "shark bait!" Being two out-of-shape old girls, we laughed. However, the laugh was on the pretty boys when we returned Sunday with some 50,000 beach goers in attendance. "Shark bait" was the order of the day with 50 or 60 percent of those on the beach, young and old alike, all out of shape, in one form or another.
For virgins, the beach experience in Pensacola can not be forgotten. Revelers mark their territory from the ordinary to the extravagant, over a 5 mile plus area between Pensacola Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore to the east.
Dan and David from New Orleans boasted a 3-tent complex complete with iron sculpture, fountain and wading pool. There were numerous cities carved in sand housing Barbie & Ken, Billy dolls and even Tinky Winky and friends. One group from Nashville parked their mobile home adjacent to the beach and had their very own beer bust.
As we were heading up to the road to catch the Rainbow Shuttle back to Pensacola Beach proper, a thunderstorm struck sending many revelers running for cover. A traffic nightmare began and all the passing shuttles were filled to capacity. Luckily for us, our two mile walks through the French Quarter had gotten us in a little shape for long walks. And it was a long one, some 6 miles back to Pensacola Beach proper, where we caught a small island run shuttle back to the Hampton Inn. As we arrived at the Hampton, the first Rainbow Shuttle we hailed out at the Gay beach, passed us by. We even beat them back to the hotel walking. How's that for "shark bait?"
Entertainment Rocks Gay Pensacola
The kickoff Abracadabra poolside party the Friday of Memorial Weekend was packed with over 1,300 revelers. The beer bust raised over $2,500 for Art Against AIDS, formerly White Heat Foundation.
Emerald City had live performances by Amber and Ultra Nate, while the Riviera brought in Sherreece, Nadieu and Lisa Zanghi with Elain Petty. DJs were in abundance including Dewight Barkley, Scott Horner/New Orleans, Joe Gauthreaux/New Orleans and Neil Lewis/San Francisco at Emerald City. The Riviera had guest DJ Matt Myers/San Francisco. Miss Kitty's cabaret above The Riviera starred Ebony Sinclair, Penny Holiday, Savannah Storm and Blair Daniels.
The Roundup, on the other hand, celebrated its 15th Anniversary Memorial Day Roundup. It was the only club with no cover charge for the entire weekend. Men poured into the popular cruise bar and the huge tent complex adjacent to the bar.
Bartenders always make your visit to any club memorable. Although all service was good, our picks of exceptional bartenders include Jessica and Roy at Emerald City, Lou at The Riviera and Danny at The Roundup.
Revelers had their choice of two circuit parties, Beach Maneuvers VI and Abracadabra V.
Beach Maneuvers was presented by Jeffrey Sanker at the Bay Front Auditorium, with almost 2,000 in attendance. It boasted guest DJ Julian March with a special performance by Erin Hamilton.
With almost 4,000 revelers, Johnny Chisholm's Abracadabra V, Pensacola Civic Center, boasted guest DJ Victor Calderone. The live performance trio of Viola Wills, Amber and Ultra Nate will go down in entertainment history. And the rumored live anticipated appearance of Madonna turned out to be a good female Madonna impersonator. The incredible music and light presentation was only topped by the fireworks display blasting off from the stage after the Madonna rendition.
Society & Culture
Metairie and New Orleans celebrated Memorial Weekend with loads of special events and activities. Kindred Spirits, the band, hit the stage at Angles, while 4 Seasons hosted its annual Memorial Day BBQ in Metairie.
In New Orleans, Wood Enterprises hosted its Beat The Heat Memorial Day Weekend with Lafitte's Beach Party, Good Friends' Ol' Fashioned Hoe Down and Rawhide's Beach Blanket Bingo. Rubyfruit Jungle kicked off its weekend with Cher Concert ticket giveaways. Oz, on the other hand, held the Blackout Party, Gay Maneuvers and Jack Daniels Dancer of the Week Contest.
Wolfendale's had Sha'Nyia Ellis Narcisse and Monday night male dancers. Rampart High School's Prom Night was great for Footloose, while Ms. Fly's world famous Wet Jockey Shorts Contest brought in the revelers at the Corner Pocket.
MRB's Male Stripper Contest was a hit with emcee Lisa Beaumann. The Mint did the Susan Lucci Coronation and Show. The Roundup's Crawfish Berl & Draft Beer brought the "bad boys" out. TT's male strippers took to the bar top. Pool players hit the table at Rooster's.
The 1st Annual IDIDABARRUN was a hit with 21 bar stops from the Marigny and Bywater through the French Quarter. The event was led by Lead Lush I, Ebony Ross, raising $1,050 for Belle Reve. Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXVI Robin Malta presented the run which was brought to you by Ambush.
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