by Hank Huke
HOUSTON, TEXAS

Galveston Splash!!

Legend has it that the Powers of Galveston back in 1962 decided they no longer wanted Splash Day here, because of road congestion and complaints of the deviants that attended and their "behavior." In a desperate move to stop party-goers from making it down to the Island, Sheriffs' deputies were posted and instructed to find the tiniest of infractions of the law to "detain" revelers. If you happened to be coming from Beaumont or Louisiana the swivel bridge was conspicuously "open" to the water traffic only, and only after you could provide proof of residency on the island were you allowed to pass.

So ended the original days of "Splash" in Texas - then I heard they moved the whole shebang over to a lake near Austin or something like that. I can neither confirm nor deny these accusations. What I can tell you is that for the last several years, a low-key revolution to bring Splash back to Galveston has been on-going. Without city sponsorship, working strictly with the Gay bars and businesses on the Island, the grass roots approach has done it again, and by the time we realized it, had created a huge spectacle of not "deviants," but of fun-lovers of all ages, gender and sexual orientation flooding in from Houston, Beaumont, Lake Charles, and yes, even as far as New Orleans. I even have it on good authority revelers sojourn from around that little lake near Austin where they were kind enough to take over "Splash" when Galveston fell into a dark era - long before Stonewall.

So just (1) where is Splash on Galveston, (2) what goes on, and (3) how do you get there? Well, it's simple, (1) I'll never tell, but you can come by Purgatory or Kon Tiki on the Island and grab a map! (2) As you well know, originals are rarely outdone, so you figure it out. (3) Like I said, come by the bars and get your map!

After all is said and done, and I assure you more will be done than said, look right here in Ambush for all the details and pictures! In case you do make it down to our "little party," find me - I'll be the guy nekkid and sunburned, looking like lobster claws! Come say howdy!

If it's been since 1962 that you've been to Galveston - by the way, it's near Texas - you might just want to try it again! With six, count 'em, six Gay-owned bars on the Island, there is more to do for "us" than ever before. Purgatory, Kon Tiki, Boulevard, Venture-N, Robert Lafitte's, and Evolutions are your choices. From leather, to dance, to drag shows, to neighborhood fun and friends, we've got it all! If you love to shop, the Strand can accommodate even the most eclectic of a queen's needs. Boutiques, souvenir shops, fine dining, and festive seafood houses (and of course it's fresh) will delight even the pickiest of eaters. With Paradise Guesthouse at 2317 Ave. P, or (Bernardo de Galvez) right off of 25th, and two blocks from the Seawall, making your stay festive and warm, or Hollywood Inn on the Seawall, you have wonderful choices to stay with "family."

If you've not ventured to "the Island" in awhile, perhaps Splash weekend should be your turning point! Sun., Mar. 6, marks the beginning of beach festivities with the bars providing complimentary fun, and YOU providing the fun! But don't start at the end. Come down and visit the bars, the fun, the friends, the "family!"

Maps for Galveston Splash can be obtained at Purgatory, 2515 Mechanic Row 409.770.9389 - just take Broadway down to 23rd St., and make a left on Mechanic Row, and follow it past 25th St., and they will be there waiting with refreshing adult beverages on your left!

You can also pick up a complimentary map at Garza's Kon Tiki 315 Tremont, 409.765.5085. Same thing, kids, follow Broadway down to 23rd St., and just before Mechanic Row, Kon Toki will be on your left! Maps are provided by Ambush, Purgatory, Paradise Guesthouse, and Garza's Kon Tiki.

Houston Happenings... Hope everyone enjoyed Jungle IX, and Bunnies on the Bayou over the Easter weekend. I can sum it up by saying if you missed it, shame on you! And if you made it, don't tell anyone (especially my husband) all the wonderfully fun and oft evil things I did! Also, when you see me out at Splash (with my husband this time) come say hi, but don't talk about how bad I need a suntan!

Rich's is still doing that thang they do on Fri. nights, with 18 and over. Fun is there to be had by all, and now that the weather is pleasant again, the patio is open more and more - a nice place to cool off, or just chat with your peeps. (Did I just use the word "peeps?") You can catch DJ Michael Tank there and DJ Chris Sill!

Pacific St. has it going on all the time - but if you missed the Janet Jackson CD release party you can try and make it up to yourself by gearing up for the ever-growing and ever fashionable White Party May 27th. Don't forget Classic Trash Disco this Tues. night...doors open at 9pm and enjoy $1.50 well drinks & $2.25 longnecks all night long...That's the way (I Like It)! Also - Thurs. SEXX with Billboard DJ Mark D. from 104 KRBE and Caged Male Dancers. No cover with Gym Membership ID. Enjoy $1.50 well drinks and $1.50 Schnapps all night long! Co-hosted by The Club Houston.

Guava Lamp invites you out for Queer As Folk every Sun. Night. The gang plays the actual episode airing on Showtime at 9pm! Stick around for good ole fashioned fun karaoke at 10pm til close. You can also catch karaoke there on Wed. starting at 10pm. Guava Lamp is located off the corners of Richmond and Sheppard at 2159 Portsmouth, 713.524.3359.

Also, look for Michael's Outpost to celebrate their anniversary in the merry month of May! I can tell you, it's going to be a party ovah there!

Brick's II has a new look, with the same ole friendly faces! Stop by and see them - the remodel is complete and now there's more room than ever to enjoy time with friends, or a good game of pool. The jukebox is superbly stocked with your old favs and hot new ones, so drop a buck, grab a drink and make some new friends while enjoying good times with old ones! It's located at 617 Fairview, just across the street from Barnaby's!

And that's it for plugs this time around. Now, just for shits and giggles, e-mail me and tell me which of the "Golden Girls" most suits you and or your friends. Tell my why, and a quick story if you can! It will be fun. Next time we'll do Designing Women, because as everyone knows...I can certainly throw on my Julia Sugarbaker drag and chew some ass when I have to. But for now, I gotta go ask my husband why my Reality Check bounced! What's your excuse? E-mail me at MarForStud@aol.com.