Another Great Lake Erie Gala!

From the Erie Sisters

The 12th annual Lake Erie Gala, sponsored by the Erie Sisters Transgender Support Group, was held Nov.16-20 at the Avalon Hotel in Erie. Registration opened Wednesday, and the attendees present then had dinner together at the Plymouth on State Street.

Events began on Thursday with tours of South Shore and Johnson Estate wineries, and lunch at Barcelona restaurant in New York. Thursday evening featured a Hawaiian luau-themed dinner at the Avalon, with prizes for the best Hawaiian attire, followed by an act by Lisa Naples and Girls, an impressionist act from Warren, Ohio.

Friday's events featured local tours of the Warner Theatre and Arrowhead Wine Cellars, with lunch at Pufferbelly Restaurant. The girls played mini golf at the Family First Sports Center, and prizes were given for the best scores. Friday evening featured a medieval-themed dinner, with prizes for the best Renaissance outfits, followed by magician Cliff Hopkins.

Saturday we had lunch at the Avalon, with a separate lunch for spouses and significant others, followed by a talent contest that was judged by EGN's own Michael Mahler, again with prizes for the top acts. Saturday afternoon saw free time to patronize the vendors who have helped to support the Gala, or time to go out and shop in the Erie area. Dinner that night was preceeded by a blessing of the meal by Rev. Steve Auschmann of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie. A tearful eulogy was given by Joanne Law to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. Candles were lit by Joanne and by Erie Sisters president Melanie Shubitowski. Our annual Glitter Ball followed dinner, with DJ and lighting provided by the Erie Sisters' own Kimi Weathers and Jennifer Lucas.

The event concluded Sunday morning with our farewell brunch, leaving us with fond memories of old friends reunited with and new friends we met during the week.

Erie Sisters info: http://eriesisters.ning.com