by Patrick Clinton
LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA

As usual, it has been wild around Acadiana. Everybody has been out having fun and celebrating anything and everything. Easter was a smash and provided a much needed break for most all of us. The weather is getting warm and I for one am looking forward to summer. I know everybody is looking forward to wearing shorts and just chilling by a pool. But just because the weather is changing, do not think the fun is going to die down at the bar scene. With summer right around the corner, the Acadiana Gay bars have a great deal planned, not to mention their regular lineup of fun things to do.

The Mystic Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette is starting off the summer with a bang. They are holding the "Lusty Month of May Decadent Party" on Sat., May 19. If you have not heard about this unbelievable party, find out about it. It is going to be such a blast. Everybody is going to be dressed in the wildest, most flamboyant outfits they can find. This is one you do not want to miss. For more information, go to the Apollo Web site at kreweofapollo.com.

If you missed the Sound Factory's annual Easter Bonnet Show and Contest on Apr. 14, you missed one hell of a good time. There were some unbelievable bonnets. Leave it the Sound Factory to celebrate Easter like nobody else. But do not worry, the Sound Factory has a lot more planned for the month of May. On Sat., May 12, the Sound Factory is hosting the Mr./Ms./Miss R. O. U. Pageant. Now this is going to be an unbelievable contest. It has something for everyone. There will be drag, men, and women, all competing for your viewing pleasure. But the fun does not stop there. On Sat., May 19, the Sound Factory will hold the Miss Lafayette America Pageant. This is always a superb pageant because the winner will be going on to Miss Louisiana America. If formal shows are not your thing, do not worry a bit. The Sound Factory still has its usual lineup of fun things to do every night of the week. Traumatic Tuesdays are a unbelievable with D.J. Scrub of Firestone and Sound Factory's own Richie Rich. Whacked Wednesdays are a treat with Tori Taylor. If you have not been by for this, come and check it out. Sundays are "Search for the Stars." If you have a talent, this is your night to show it off, and it all begins with a free pot luck buffet. So, if you have not been by lately, you should drop by and see what you have been missing.

Backstreet Men's Club is still the best place in Acadiana to hang out after work. It opens every afternoon at 5pm and stays open until 2am. It has happy hour drink specials every afternoon from open until 7pm. After a tiring day at the office, Backstreet's relaxing atmosphere really hits the spot. They have a dart board and pool table for those of you who prefer some friendly competition, and fully stocked bar for those who relax in other ways. Backstreet is a great place to go and hang out with your friends or make some new friends. Mark and his crew of dedicated bartenders know how to show you a good time. If you are looking for a quieter place to socialize, then Backstreet is the place for you. With its great drinks and bartenders, it is the perfect place to hangout.

If you are Gay in Acadiana, you know where Jules Downtown is. But do yo know about all the great things they have lined up for you every night of the week? Casey and her staff work hard to make sure that you have a memorable time when you visit Jules Downtown. The week starts on Tues. with the wildest karaoke in town. Cody King knows how to make karaoke a real experience. You do not want to miss it. Whether you like to sing or just like to watch, Cat's Ass Karaoke at Jules is great. Weds. are hot with the best male strippers in Acadiana. If you have not come by to see these guys, you have no idea what you are missing. Then there's Thirsty Thurs., you do not want to miss the unbelievable Amateur Wet Boxer Contest hosted by Eureka Fish. I do not know which is more fun, listening to Eureka emcee or watching all the hot guys strip down to their undies and get soaking wet. Either way, this is a night you cannot miss, not to mention they have two dollar Blue Margaritas and one dollar shots. What about the weekend? Well Jules does not let you down then either. Every Fri. and Sat. night Jules has the hottest dance music with DJ Scott Lannie. Dance the night away while you enjoy Jules' two dollar drink specials all weekend. But the week is not over yet. Every Sun. is Eager Beaver night. Come by just to see your friends or participate in the pool tournament. Whatever you enjoy doing, Jules Downtown delivers. Come by and check it out for yourself.

I am sure that everybody is looking forward to summer, and all you college students out there, I am sure you are looking forward to the end of the spring semester. Finals are going to be here the first week in May. So to all you students, good luck. And when finals are over, go out and celebrate at the bars. Support the Gay community because it supports you. Until next time, have fun and be safe.