by Jeannie

 

 

Note from T. Oliver Reid, Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society:

WELCOME to the 41st Annual Fire Island Pines Invasion!!

The Invasion started initially arose due to continued friction between residents of Cherry Grove and the community to the east, Fire Island Pines.

Legend has it that Teri Warren had left the Grove, wearing full drag, and had gone to eat dinner at the Botel, here in the Pines. The restaurant owner – John Whyte declined to serve him, stating that he was not properly attired.

This irritated everyone in the Grove, including Thom Hansen, who earlier that year had been elected the first Homecoming Queen of Cherry Grove.

Several days after that day, Thom suggested to a small group of friends that they retaliate by dressing up in drag and going over to the Pines.

Once the Pines residents passed the initial shock, they warmed up to the Grovers and bought them some drinks at the Blue Whale. A few drinks later, the emotional divide between the two groups was dissolved, and they spent the afternoon laughing the

day away.

And that’s how this annual event began.

 

 In The Pines Harbor

 

Nicole La Fontaine sings the anthem to the waiting crowd

 

Anticipation mounts  

 

The indomitable Panzi and her helpful cohorts Lorraine and Joan help her announce the embarquees

 

 

 

 

Everything but the shoes

 

F the NRA - in that headdress?

                                                             ….Photos by Juan Villarreal

 

 

 Started in the Grove

                                                                             Photos by Jeannie

 

Crowds line up along the pier and at Cherry’s and Island Breeze to see them off

Singing Star Spangled Banner with those on board

 

 

  On the Ferry

 

Panzi & Lorraine exhort the crowd to sit down for group picture

 

Is that a bribe for event organizer Brunhilde? (Matt)

 

Gals hanging off the ferry waiting to make their “entrance”

 

 

 

 

 

 

from the elegant

 

 to the profane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former HCQueen Beach Debris playing up to Robin Byrd’s camera

 

 

 

GAYS against GUNS - Lorraine helps display the message

Drag Repair – everyone’s favorites

Trump and Kristy drew boos from the crowd

 In town…….

Mother, the beloved

Robyn needs a little cash to get back

 

On the trip back to the Grove

 Many go below decks to “recover” before traditional pool parade at Ice Palace

 

 

Another Wonder Woman spreads her wings

 

 

 

China, the one and only and always

 

Getting a little fresh air  

 This can only be done down below deck!

 

 Postscripts and Thank Yous

 

As a final tribute camera shy captain Ken was coaxed off his boat to receive a special award

 

This from Pines Coordinator

Ariadne Villarreal wrote:

Dear 2016 Invasion Family:

It was a great team effort. "We are Family” that’s for sure.

In no specific order…..

Thank you Anthony Taccetta, Sai Dahari, Will Sherer (a colleague who enjoyed his first invasion with his wife while staying at Jerry Mitchell’s…nothing like trial by fire) and my lovely husband and Nephew Juan and Ignacio for spearheading our décor efforts. 

T. Oliver Reid for donating your time again and again to host our lovely shindig. You engage folks and keep them entertained in the heat while we wait for our lovely ladies. Bless you and your energy.

Nikki LaFountaine – your grace and elegance are to be admired. You are our national anthem.

Thank you Jim Vandernoth for helping lay out our red carpet, and rallying the boats to get on the bandwagon. Prizes once again were great: Tickets to Pines Party (thank you FIPPOA),  wine from the liquor store (Thank you Steve and Chris!), and a $100 gift certificate to the Pines Bistro (Thank you PJ and team). 

George Marchelos  - YOU ROCK! Thanks so much for being our partner in crime on the dock  supporting the entire event with fabulous music from start to finish!  Lots of last minute curve balls but you handle them with aplomb.

Gil Neary / Hal Hayes– Thank you for rallying such a superb group of gals to judge! As usual – an element that we leave 100% in your hands and it never fails!! (It only took me 15 years to figure out that I could hold onto the sashes and certificates on this end so you wouldn’t have to carry them through the rack!)

Our Harbor Family - Dennis J. Murphy,  Dennis R Murphy, Jimmy, Chris and Genevieve – You guys are a superb support network. I know I heard folks mention this morning that it didn’t look like we had been bombarded with 3000 day trippers. We thank you for your diligence in making our home clean.

Bob Levine (Rose) a beautiful addition to our long-standing tradition. You and your “company” were fabulous!

Porsche – Put the date on your calendar for 2017….you’re definitely coming back. A lovely moment!!! Thanks Robert Bonnano for managing that to fruition.

Shane – thanks for making the arrival of the boat festive and entertaining. I love that you have a whole run of show from the Grove end!!!

Thank you to Greg and our security team!! The boys keep us all safe. For that we are indebted. 

Randy Wilson – thanks for handling the press and the VIP’s. 

Ken Pollard and Dave Anderson – thanks for getting all our pre-production elements in line.

Kent Dillon – your compassion and generosity has no bounds. Thanks for making those many runs to and from Whyte Hall. Indebted! 

Kim and the team at the Pines Pantry – Thanks for making sure we’re hydrated and cool throughout the day. We appreciate the ice deliveries to the ferry dock – and the water is so necessary!

PJ McAteer, Mario and Chris -  thank you for supporting the efforts of our committee and making sure we are all on the same page. You smile through it all – and we’re proud to know you’re our partner on this great day.

Ken Stein and the Sayville Ferry Crew – we applaud you and your fine crew. You handle it all with humble dedication.

And lastly - 

PANZI – you are the center pin to the whole day. Your wit, energy, and focus are what drive us to all do better each year.  We will always welcome you and your gals with open arms…as "We are all one Family!!"

An amazing team effort!! Enjoy the rest of the summer….we will see you next year!!!

Good evening!

 

I just wanted to reach out to all of you to say thank you --- for making the INVASION as fun and spectacular as it is.

 

I get a lot of credit for this-- but people need to know that the Invasion  would not happen without you ----I just want you to know that you are appreciated and I just don't know how to say thank you for what you do ---I am always afraid that if I try to thank people on the mike - I am going to forget folks and that would be tragic --- you all put so much into this.

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

HI Ariadne and Gang, 

Thanks for your kind words, clearly the spirit of collaboration is alive and well in the Pines and the Grove.  

The history of this day is amazing, what started as a riff between the 2 communities is now the most celebrated day / event of the season, that reaches far beyond the boundaries of our 2 sister towns.

Panzi thank you for being the center piece who carries on the traditions and shares the spotlight, you so rightly deserve, you BRING IT every year. 

I've added Roger Bailey to the list here who found our dresses and "beat" our wigs, and bannered the winners. 

It never ceases to amaze us how festive, creative and enthusiastic the girls are for this event every year it is an inspiring to be part of such a wonderful day. 

I am humbled proud to be part of such a large and generous family. 

Gil Neary 

 

This from Panzi – event founder and coordinator, Grove

 

Hello everyone

 

First of all - what a GREAT GREAT day --- I cannot thank all of you enough - especially Ariadne!  It would never be the success that it is without all of your help --- it ios much appreicated

I was sorry that Ken made us leave so soon -- he should have sent a smaller boat for later, but hindsight is a great virtue.  i was glad to see , however, that almost everyone stayed ion the Pines to Party!

Panzi - a VERY GRATEFUL Panzi!

 

 

                  See you next year…………..

                                                        Jeannie