In popular culture, “fireworks” can refer to a spectacular display of love or excitement. Though it usually describes a romantic connection, we can all experience fireworks during times of joy — a joy that can occur while you spend quality time with friends and loved ones. With July Fourth on the horizon, I hope each of us has the opportunity to experience fireworks — in every sense of the word. Here is a list of upcoming events to make this July Fourth the best ever.
On June 26, one of the LGBT community’s most successful sporting organizations, the City of Brotherly Love Softball League, will host its annual bingo fundraiser at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the action beginning at 7. Food, soft drinks and beer will be available for purchase, and great prizes have been donated by local LGBT businesses. Tickets are $20; e-mail [email protected] to reserve a spot. Visit www.cblsl.org to learn more.
Jumping ahead to the July Fourth holiday, Philadelphia will host its annual Wawa Welcome America! celebration. The week is packed with events; view the full schedule, including parades, festivals, concerts and outdoor film screenings, at www.welcomeamerica.com. As a preview, here are details for three fireworks shows during this year’s celebration:
— 8 p.m. June 26 at Penn’s Landing: concert featuring Morris Day & The Time, followed by fireworks on the Delaware River — 8 p.m. July 3 at Penn’s Landing: concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra, followed by fireworks on the Delaware — 8 p.m. July 4 at Eakins Oval on the Ben Franklin Parkway: concert by The Goo Goo Dolls, followed by fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art
For women looking to get out of the city over July Fourth without breaking the bank, look no further than New Hope! Over the holiday weekend, Diane Lusk and Ladies 2000 will host the “Ladies STAYcation” at the Nevermore Hotel, 6426 Lower York Road. Beginning July 2, Lusk will kick off a weekend of dinners, dancing and parties in celebration of our nation’s birthday. Special events include a T-dance at 5 p.m. July 3 with DJ Michael DeCero and a cabaret show later that evening. Ladies 2000 guests will receive a discounted room rate of $119 at the hotel. For more information, visit www.ladies2000.com.
For guys who want to get away without flying away, Rehoboth Beach, Del., and Asbury Park, N.J., have huge July Fourth events on tap. In Rehoboth, gays can enjoy the annual Love party, benefiting CAMP Rehoboth (www.camprehoboth.com). The main dance party, at the Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., is “July4Love4all.” Kicking off at 8 p.m. July 4, DJ Joe Gauthreaux will spin classic anthems and pop hits. In addition, there are several “Love” events all weekend, including the “LottoHEART” benefit, a live-auction game show. Visit www.sundancebenefit.com for more information.
Not to be outdone, Asbury Park also has an exciting slate of activities planned for the holiday. Local promoter Shep Pettibone will present three nights of dancing and entertainment at Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave. July 2 is the “Friction” dance party and “Follies” show with Victoria Lace and Lady Marisa. On the 3rd, DJ Drew G will spin a red, white and blue-themed dance party. On July 4 is Pettibone’s famous poolside Silver T-Dance, featuring DJ Chris Padilla. For more information, visit www.paradisenj.com. To view a listing of gay events in Asbury Park this July Fourth, visit www.gayasburypark.com.
I hope my recommendations provide the spark to get your fireworks going. If you have events for my July 9 column, e-mail me at [email protected]. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!