The Atlantic City beaches, bars and casinos rolled out their rainbow welcomemats last weekend for Sand Blast. Now in its 13th year, the weekend of LGBT-themed parties, outings and activities moved south from its previous digs in Asbury Park. Thousands are estimated to have attended the festivities, which were capped with a Saturday afternoon dance party on the beach, complete with live entertainment and performers. That night, the ladies of Sand Blast congregated at Borgata’s Mixx Nightclub for the White Party (right), staged by girlNATIONnyc and Danielle Presents. Sand Blast began as a way to promote LGBT culture in Asbury Park but, with a growth from a few-hundred guests to several thousand since its inception, organizers this year decided to move the festivities to a larger locale. Sand Blast was among a number of LGBT initiatives taking place in Atlantic City; earlier this summer, openly gay Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian and tourism officials desginated a segment of the beach as LGBT-friendly, while the city is gearing up for the first LGBT business expo in September, which coincides with the annual Miss’D America pageant. Photos: Brooke Lutz