Fire Island Frolics: Oh Mary!

Started writing at 8:06 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, while uploading Invasion pictures in Ocean Beach.

My voice remains hoarse, my feet are somewhat covered with mosquito bites, I still have bright pink nail polish on my finger and toenails and I am in somewhat of a desperate need for a shower, but it was certainly one hell of a July 4 weekend on Fire Island.

Dancing at Cherry's in Cherry Grove was a recurring theme over the last few days, while DJs Susan Morabito and Lina provided additional soundtracks at Low Tea and Sip n' Twirl. Some scantily clad Mormon missionaries found their way onto the dance floor at IndepenDANCE at Reflections in the Pines. And I also found myself dancing with new friends from Fort Lauderdale whom I met at Andy Tobias' annual July 4 clam bake at High Tea and the Pavilion. I had so much fun that the water taxi literally turned around to pick me up. It certainly would have been a long walk back to Ocean Beach, but a higher power sometimes works in rather mysterious ways.

July 4 on Fire Island would not be complete without the annual Invasion-coming into the Pines harbor with thousands of people cheering for the hundreds of drag queens on the ferry is without a doubt the best moment of the summer Miss Fire Island News sported a floral frock with pink Gucci knock-off sunglasses (from Canal Street) with a matching wand and transparent handbag. She also sported a curly white wig and six-plus inch platform shoes that nearly caused multiple footwear malfunctions. All in all, she survived the treacherous Pines and Grove boardwalks and reveled in the moment alongside Lady Gaga, Sarah Palin, Mona Lisa, the late Princess Diana and hundreds of other queens who made the journey.

Miss Fire Island News thanks Alejandro for finding her fabulous frock among the $10 rummage pile at the Drag Tag sale in the Grove and Doreen for coaching her on how to properly walk in heels.

A Sunny Saturday

It was a beautiful day by the pool at the Grove Hotel in the Grove on Saturday, July 2.

Patriotic Pride

The Grove mixed patriotism and LGBT Pride over the long holiday weekend.

Pines Polygamists

These polygamist wives made an appearance at IndepenDANCE in the Pines on Saturday, July 2.

Sunset from IndepenDANCE

This sunset from the roof of Reflections in the Pines speaks for itself.

More Patriotism

This Ocean Beach home went all out for Independence Day.

Who’s that Girl?

Sarah Palin makes an appearance at the Ice Palace before the annual Invasion of the Pines on Monday, July 4.

Mona Lisa Comes to the Beach

The Mona Lisa herself made an appearance at the Invasion.

Bathing Beauties

Members of the AARP Synchronized Swim Team pose on the ferry to the Pines.

A Royal Engagement

Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa pose for the paparazzi at Sip n' Twirl in the Pines following the Invasion.