The 38th annual Cherry Grove to Pines Invasion
photos
and text by Jeannie
Blessed by the weathermen, this Thursday July 4th was
the first day of sunshine in a week.
But it was hot! No matter how many Invasions (when hundreds of
Drag Queens board a ferry and “invade” the Pines harbor where they are greeted
by thousands) it is always exciting.
The creativity is astounding as a flurry of feathers, sequins and
other unique accoutrements decorate the bewigged beauties (and some not so
beautiful – I mean some didn’t even bother to shave! their Faces!)
Panzi, one of the original invaders, this year resplendent in Fire
engine red under a bright blue wig led the “herd” for the 38th time
They pay up and register at the Ice Palace where cameras flash by
civilians and others in costume alike.
Carl brought back this one with Annie back on Broadway -my
favorite
Confused?
Ferry Capt Stein gives last minute instructions to the crew before
ferry takes off for the Pines
A flurry of feathers to get on
Ariel summons Paula Dean, complete with butter
My new BFF
The royal procession gets to stay up front, Charity & Angela
Mercy, part of the royal procession – this year celebrating “Simchas Torah”
with a minion of “moyles”.
Gusty winds (isn’t that the name of a drag queen?) made everyone
hang onto their wigs while my admiral hat blew into the bay while taking this
picture
While the royals, of course, waited inside
The landing
Thousands in the Pines awaiting this moment to see the hundreds on
board
Robin Byrd heads the press corps
HCQueen Shirley Shapiro - first off
Her card reads “I am NOT ‘A Queen’/I am ‘The Queen’/and that’s ‘Your Majesty’/to
you!,”
Soon to be followed by Sylvia
HRH Wendy and consort
Wonder what’s under those burkas
Didn’t we see them before?
Wonder Woman (Joyce)
It’s Charlie Chaplin
What is this? Must be from Long Island - Brook Haven? Beth Paige?
Overweight flight attendant – endangered species
Hail to the crowd (or Robin)
Mother – beloved of everyone
The ever popular/necessary Drag Repair team – Bless Them!
The enthusiastic waiting crowd in the Pines
Say farewell…….
Back to the Boat
Panzi greets her herd
HTM chats with her subjects
The Queen daintily keeps her knees together
The girls gossip
China is s cute
Robin shows some cleavage
UPsta9rs
Just
Lorraine keeps shooting the Queen and another queen
(There are few civilians here)
Another beautiful Blonde
Miss Fire Island and Miss Grove take a break
Beach Debris and Uneda Dune compare notes
Beach Debris’ necklace is of beach debris
Just the wig – confessing to the rabbi?
Ready to disembark in the Grove and go through the procession all
over again
Not easy………
Bella returns!
The Queen makes one more entrance!
The Town Crier reminding everyone of the true meaning of
Independence Day with his bell and his copy of the Declaration of Independence
The only one in town to remember the meaning of the day!
