CHERRY GROVE HOMECOMING QUEEN  08

 

                    

                                                                                                                 Text & photos by Jeannie

 

The community house was packed to overflowing with SRO in the back and up to the peanut gallery filled for the APCG’s first event of summer: the annual Homecoming Queen Election who’s duties are to preside over all community events from painting sidewalks, to Casino night, to theater productions.

Memberships/calendars/ 50/50

Presided over by Panzi and Bella for the last 25 years, they confided they are “better with one another than separately”

 

 

 

Queen Lola, in her last official duty, danced her way up the aisle to open the festivities

 

BACKSTAGE GETTING READY

 

How may times have we done this???

“I feel lucky…getting pretty for a change..do I have time to do my nails?”

I’m always perfect!

 

Venus! SO cute …an imposter…a R.G!

 

No more MAC; its Chanel this year, dearie

Finishing touches….

 

Aren’t I gorgeous? It’s a new look for me

I know, last year I said I don’t do drag…..but look at me now!

 

 

 

Ruby Delight – a newbie – her “virgin attempt …do you think I’ll have beginner’s luck?”

 

Crystal, a first time runner, “back after a maternity leave” has no expectations of winning, just “happy to be a part of the festivities”.

 

Renee Ryan’s second time “I’ll keep trying till I get it right”.

 

JoJo Gerard’s second try after a “slow start” in her 21 summers stating ”I have to do it for us ‘home girls’”

 

IN THE AUDIENCE

 

Filled with Celebs: Demi Tasse, Jeanne Skinner, Philomena, Charity, Donna P, Mandi (who won everything – bought all the tix with his handsome partner),Scarlett O, Angela Merci, et al.

 

The ever classy Cobra

Big Spender

 

Isaac is Mr Leather 2008! Did he work out over the winter?

Had to give up ownership of the Palace in order to get a crown!

 

Look! Its Andy Warhol!!!

 

 

 

I feel pretty!

 

  

The Always Glamorous Robyn Kradles

 

 

 

 

A Bevy of Beauties

Did you notice my legs?

 

C’mon, guys, I’m selling 50/50, not ME!

 

Coco picking the winners of the raffle

 

Sherri selling Stars!

“A vintage gown on a vintage broad”

 

THEY MADE THEM SING…

Renee Ryan lip synched with Panzi behind her ”Mary had a Little Lamb”

Happy Birthday, Mr.President

Georgie Girl crooned a sexy ballad

Taffeta Darling?

Row Row Row your Boat???

 

Oompah! A crowd favorite and runner up

“I don’t Sing!”

 

CRUNCH TIME

Yes, I’m naughty – vote for me

Vote for Me!

Vote for Me!

 

Vote for Me!

 

 

Vote for Me!

No, ME!

Vote for Me!

 

 “We’ve fulfilled our Minority Quota – we can get a white girl for a change”

 

And the winner is………………

 

MARGO!!! It’s a great experience to serve this wonderful community what a pleasure to live here! The best treasure I can ever have in my life”

 

Goodbye…….It was a wonderful year……

 

Postscript: Margo has spent 20 years with Coco. That means the President (CGAP) and the Queen are the Grove power couple. Margo promises to be the first political monarch

“We are in New York, we don’t have gay rights, I want to be a voice for that purpose”.

Guess Governor Patterson heard her when he stated he recognized gay marriage. Its working already! Power to the Queen!