2010 Lake Erie Gala a success!

The 2010 Lake Erie Gala was held the week of November 14 at the Avalon Hotel.  The event is organized by the Erie Sisters. Events began Wednesday the 17th with registration opening and dinner and game night at Calimari's.  Tours began the following day, featuring excursions to Arrowhead winery, Peak n Peek resort for lunch, a tour of the Environmental center and a winery in Findlay Lake New York.  A first time out to an such an event can be an ordeal for girls not having ventured out before, so first timer's to the Lake Erie Gala were welcomed each day with a meeting to help answer their questions and ensure their comfort.  Thursday night saw a Moroccan themed dinner at the Avalon to coincide with Belly Dancing and instructions from the Fleming School of Dance.

Friday's agenda began with local tours to the Fireman's Museum, where the girls got a history of firefighting, followed by lunch at Pufferbelly's restaurant in their exquisite firehouse restaurant.  The day's events ended with a tour of Furman's Cider Mill and returned to the Avalon to prepare for the events to come in the evening.  Friday night's menu consisted of an oriental buffet, and attendees were encouraged to don their prettiest oriental dresses for the event.  After dinner, a talent contest was held that featured a magician, dancers and drag performers, with winners being determined by an independent panel of judges from the Erie Gay News.  Each night, attendees had the option to go to the Zone to round out the night with dancing and socializing.

Saturday began with a transgender day of remembrance ceremony and a  costume lunch, and contestants participating were judged by hotel staff.  The vendor area was open each day, with offerings from Glamour Boutique, Elite Salon, Veronica's Day Spa, and Executive Clearance electrolysis.  A swap and trade was also offered, where girls could leave items of clothing they no longer wanted and trade them for items others had left.  Saturday evening began with dinner followed by our annual Glitter Ball and music from the areas only all transgender band, TransSend.  Sad farewells were in order for Sunday morning at our farewell brunch, leaving the girls once again counting days until the next Lake Erie Gala.  Each gala brings new friends together, and exposes the transgender community to the tri-state area, promoting acceptance of the LGBT community within Erie and helping transgender to accept themselves.  It is a truly wonderful experience, and leaves us all with fond memories that will last a lifetime.  The Erie Sisters and Lake Erie Gala would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the residents of Erie for their continued support and open minded acceptance of us that sets Erie apart from so many other areas of the country.  Erie truly is a wonderful place.

Photos

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