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This weekend's for celebrating -- not just in the sense of "proud to be an American," but also in the "proud to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and any other category you might happen to fall in because you were born a certain way and damn it, you embrace yourself" sense. Yes, Atlanta Gay Pride is upon us, my friends. If you like it, come celebrate. If you don't, put your angry "gays are spawns of Satan, but I still wear wool and eat pork" Bible-beating signs down and give it a rest already. Why we celebrate... What the hell is Atlanta Gay Pride, anyway? It's certainly not just a flamboyant show of feathers and leather. It's far more meaningful. Typically, Atlanta Gay Pride takes place in late June (the third weekend, to be exact) to honor the historic Stonewall Riots, which took place June 28, 1969. The event was a major catalyst for the GLBT community as it helped us develop a very strong and unified front. Standing together, we were going to fight back ... again and again. With organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign lobbying for our rights in Congress and California legalizing gay marriage, progress continues to be made, though we're far from true equality. As we band together during Pride, we're embracing our community for all that it is -- a veritable rainbow of bright personalities from all walks of life, be it attorneys and surgeons, teachers and police officers, military and artists, CEOs and sanitation workers, editors and accountants, restaurateurs and ministers, neighbors and friends. Together, we celebrate our similarities and our differences -- proudly. What to do this weekend... Because of the drought, Pride's 3-day celebration has been moved to the 4th of July weekend and from Piedmont Park to the Atlanta Civic Center. There's a plethora of activities this weekend to celebrate Atlanta Gay Pride, not just at the Atlanta Civic Center and the parade, but also at all the gay and lesbian bars around town. The main Atlanta Pride event is the three-day Atlanta Pride Festival, which takes place this year downtown at the Atlanta Civic Center (395 Piedmont Ave. NE). The festival kicks off at 6 pm on Friday, July 4, and lasts until 11 p.m. The next two days, Saturday and Sunday, the festival continues at the park, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Admission is free, and during the festival there's live music and comedy; a Pride Market featuring dozens of vendors, GLBT organizations and crafters; and a variety of forums and ceremonies. Entertainment at Atlanta Pride is extensive and varied, and typically includes movies, concerts, cabaret and fashion shows. On Saturday, the Festival presents the first of two big parades, the Dyke March, which starts at 6 pm. The Atlanta Pride Parade is held on Sunday afternoon at 1 pm. Happy Pride! 1. LICKING THE SNOW: For just under two bucks, you can’t beat the big-kid sno-cones at Cajun restaurant Just Loaf’n to battle southern summer heat. www.justloafn.net. 2. HIDING OUT AT THE CHOP HOUSE: The best place to be if you want to chill out with a drink during a Braves game. But get there early, because once the outside temp hits 90 degrees, the place fills up fast. www.braves.mlb.com. 3. VISITING THE FROZEN TUNDRA: Fernbank’s IMAX theatre lets you choose between screenings of “Antarctica” (pictured) or “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild” all summer long. Air conditioning included in ticket price. www.fernbankmuseum.org. 4. SAMPLING INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS: Scoops of the tasty Limoncello and Green Tea gelatos at Paolo’s Gelatos sure hit the spot—and watching the irrepressible Paolo Dalla Zorza in action is a treat in itself. www.paolosgelato.com. Wednesday evening I had the opportunity to attend an early viewing of the new H&M store at Atlantic Station. Never having been in an H&M store before, I was very impressed with the quality of the clothes and the prices. The two-story building carries a variety of styles, from basic t-shirts and jeans, to evening wear, catering not just to women, but men, babies and children as well. You’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for and then some without breaking the bank. H&M is sure to attract a crowd when it opens Friday, June 13 at noon. Wednesday evening, I attended an early viewing of the new H&M store at Atlantic Station. Never having been in an H&M before, I was very impressed with the quality of the clothes and the prices. The two-story building carries a variety of styles, from basic T-shirts and jeans to evening wear, catering not just to women, but men, babies and children as well. You’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for, and then some, without breaking the bank. H&M is a welcome addition to Atlantic Station (and Atlanta), and is sure to attract a crowd when it opens Friday, June 13, at noon. Get there early to score tees and gift cards. With a terrible heat wave, a hike in gas prices and a looming recession, we could all use some good karma. Why not use that money you’ve been hording for Elvis’ next concert or to put toward Hillary’s campaign (too little, too late) toward something that really will make a difference? This Friday, June 13, is the March of Dimes 24th annual Dining Out Event with an after-party at Opera Nightclub. The decadent dinner takes place at 7 p.m. at participating restaurants, including Aria, Canoe, JOËL, Trois, Cuerno and Pricci, at a price tag of $1,000 or $1,500 for a table of eight or 10, depending on the restaurant selection. After a super VIP dining experience worth every penny (think of the babies!), head to Opera to burn off some of those calories and indulge in tasty cupcakes by Sweet Pockets bakery. What’s March of Dimes, you say? It’s a stellar organization that helps improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and, in 2003, launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com/georgia. Tickets for dinner and the after-party are still available. For information on hosting a table or purchasing tickets, visit www.marchofdimes.com/georgia or contact Jennifer Cobb at 404.350.9800 x 208. After-party tickets are included with the table purchase, but individual tickets to the after-party can be purchased for $40 also by contacting Jennifer. Yearning for yard sale bargains? ‘Tis the season, and CRoP has just the event. WHO: Christian Rites of Passage (CRoP) Youth WHAT: Community-wide Yard Sale includes food and entertainment to enhance your shopping experience WHEN: Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Cascade United Methodist Church (UMC) Parking Lot, located at 3144 Cascade Rd. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 WHY: Support future leaders, network and fellowship with the local community and Cascade UMC members DONATE: your gently used items on May 14-16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the rear entrance of Cascade UMC and receive a tax write-off form for your contribution. **Inclement weather? Come to the back entrance of Cascade UMC Fellowship Hall.** For more information, log onto www.christianritesofpassageinc.org or contact Shari Blalock at 678-386-5393 or Ida Crook at 770-973-1373. Here comes the sun. Grab your shades, and head to two fabulous shopping events:
Tonight, Thursday, April 24, in Morningside at Fickle Manor, from 6 to 9 p.m., three local designers present their haute spring/summer wares: Olive, a line of girlie, vintage-y dresses; Aquanada Jewelry; and Ann Roth Shoes.
Saturday, April 26, at Form .02 (101 E. Court Square, Decatur, 404-378-1214), get the latest in spring and summer looks for men, women and children from local boutiques Boogaloos, Kaleidoscope, Squash Blossom. Drinks/food from Twain's, the Brick Store and other area restaurants. Jenn Hobby of Q100 hosts & DJ Christo spins. $20 entry fee. Join me and tons of other shopaholics for a big fashionable bash in honor of the arrival of Darla, a new exclusive membership organization for Atlanta's shopping elite! WHEN: Thursday, April 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Tribute Lofts in the Old Fourth Ward. WHAT: A fun-filled evening of surprises, sweeping views of Atlanta's skyline, complimentary cocktails, Peroni beer, nibbles galore courtesy of Marlow's Tavern, yummy gift bags and more! You can also be the first to sign up for a Darla Charter Membership (limited number available) and get a chance to win an array of fabulous prizes from Darla's favorite spots, including Veruca, Adaptation Floral Design, Cafe Physique, The Blue Corset Co., Squash Blossom, Hoopla, Fickle Manor, Soda Salon, Shiami Doors and Inman Park Pet Works. GET ON THE LIST: RSVP to Caren West PR at rsvp@carenwestpr.com. So shop it up! Thursday, March 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., on the rooftop of the Tribute Lofts in the Old Fourth Ward for casual cocktails and shopping. Enjoy one of the best views of Atlanta, while perusing the latest goods from Veruca Boutique, Amanda Gary Handbags, Joyeux Home + Garden, Adaptation Floral Designs, Bou Cou jewelry, Marcellina G. - Modern Vintage Jewelry, and Hi Heels Boutique. RSVP to Caren West PR at rsvp@carenwestpr.com or 404.614.0006. Ample parking is available. Enter on John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE. |