July 2, 2011
'Northern Decadence' Celebrates Vermont's LGBT Diversity
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
BURLINGTON, Vermont - The first annual "Northern Decadence Vermont" is scheduled for the weekend of September 9th and 10th. The Vermont Gay Tourism Association (VGTA), in partnership with the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, created Northern Decadence to promote Vermont to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel market.
Northern Decadence celebrates Vermont's diversity, tourism and culinary culture. It includes three exciting events:
*** Culinary Cruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen on September 9th, from 9:00 pm until 12:00 midnight. Dancing, entertainment and delicious finger foods will be served. The Vermont Gay Social Alternatives (www.vgsa.com) is partnering with the VGTA to present the cruise. Tickets are $45.
*** Food Festival and Art Show at the Hilton Burlington on September 10th, 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. The public will be able to sample some of the best specialty foods made in Vermont and New England, plus learn at cooking demonstrations presented by noted chefs. An art exhibit by local LGBT artists will enhance the festival experience. There will also be a silent auction with items and certificates from restaurants, resorts, inns and other businesses. Tickets are $10. Children 12 and under are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Discount tickets are available before September 1st.
*** Dance Party at the Higher Ground in South Burlington on September 10th, 9:00 pm until 2:00 am. Dance the night away to the latest tracks by the hottest artists today, plus enjoy live entertainment, and a men's and women's underwear fashion show courtesy of Macy's. Tickets are $20.
A limited number of tickets to all three events are available for only $60. Special packages including tickets and hotels are available for tour operators and travel agents.
The Vermont Gay Tourism Association is a nonprofit membership organization of gay-welcoming businesses of all types and sizes. It was incorporated in 2003 with the mission of promoting the state of Vermont to the LGBT traveler, including groups, gay weddings, and individuals. The first state to legally recognize same-sex unions, Vermont is a leader in equal rights for America's LGBT citizens.
For more information, visit www.northerndecadence.com.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
