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With the theme "The Seven Deadly Sins" and a 30th anniversary symbolized by XXX, this year's Aspen Gay Ski Week should undoubtedly prove to be one of the most titillating weeks in the event's history. And while the lineup includes old favorites like the boutique night stroll, comedy night at the Wheeler Opera House, the downhill costume competition and a closing day pool party, event organizers have ensured that all the debauchery goes toward a good cause.
"For starters, Gay Ski Week is the primary fundraising mechanism for the Aspen Gay and Lesbian Community Fund," says AGLCF Executive Director Bryan Gonzalez. Gonzales also serves as the chief planner for Gay Ski Week. "We employ one person and that's me. I'm here 12 months of the year."
The AGLCF is a nonprofit organization that exists throughout the year in order to serve the needs of the local gay and lesbian community, and it is also the only resource center of its kind between Denver and Grand Junction. The center, located in downtown Aspen, provides resource materials, a safe space, a desk with computers and periodicals.
Gonzalez expects nearly 4,000 gays to ascend upon Aspen next week - a more than 50 percent increase on Aspen's year-round population. And the events have been aptly adjusted for both the crowds and this year's 30th anniversary.
"We've taken it up a notch," says Gonzalez. "We've added a couple of new events and also built on the old events and made them bigger and bolder."
In keeping with the seven deadly sins theme, each of the major events is identified by a corresponding sin. The Pride opening reception and cocktail party takes place on Sunday at the Hotel Jerome, and is the official kickoff for the week. The Greed Lounge and Bar, located at Rio Grande Park, hosts the after hours parties and will be open from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night, Sunday through Wednesday. The lounge will offer live deejay music, beverages and politically
incorrect décor reflecting the theme.
"The lounge is open to anyone who wants to come, not just ski week participants," says Gonzalez. "It's a great way to support the community fund, as our sponsors have donated everything."
The Wednesday night Envy Boutique Night Stroll offers an evening of shopping and libations through many of Aspen's one-of-a-kind shops. The Wrath Masquerade Ball takes place at the Sky Hotel on Thursday where participants are encouraged to think dark and mysterious. The Sloth Bud Light Downhill Costume Competition, one of the most popular events, takes place on Friday. Former costume winners have included Serena Williams, The Supremes, Cruella DeVille and great group-themed costumes like The Stewardesses.
"The Downhill Costume Competition is great," Gonzalez says. "There was a standing crowd at the base of the gondola last year. There are great prizes including $500 for the winner, DVD players, digital cameras, snowboards and many other great prizes donated by our sponsors."
The Greed Lounge turns into the Gluttony party Friday night featuring DJ Ninteen69, a fashion show by Buzz Clothing and a silent auction, which includes great gifts by several event sponsors. One of the signature events of Gay Ski Week is the lust-themed Pool and Ice closing party, which takes place at the Aspen Recreation Center on Saturday.
"While the event is Gay Ski Week and all the gay folks will be very excited, all the events are definitely for everyone," says Gonzalez. "We'd love for locals to think of a costume and try their luck against some great gay costumes or come and check at the gay vs. straight hockey game. The straights are out for revenge this year. The gays won by one point last time." Source: aspendailynews.com |
