Last Year's Events

Classes kicked off on Monday with Crossdressing 101, Makeup Basics, and Breast Forms and Wigs.

Local stores and providers, both long-time friends of Esprit and newcomers, opened their doors. The literature table was filled with flyers and coupons to local businesses--more than one could possibly hope to visit during a mere week in Port Angeles.

The Resource Mall was full much of the week. We had about two dozen registered Resource Providers with breast forms, hair/wig, jewelry, nails and pedicures, custom-made shoes, and many other services.

Decked out in our hottest fashions, nearly 30 hotties found their way to our new Pool Tournament venue at The New Peking on the outskirts of Port Angeles. Our gracious hosts, the Fong family, opened on Monday just for us, ran our tournament and served up delectable food fare and libations. Their spacious establishment allowed lots of table time to strut our stuff, socialize, and kick off our week of adventure and the fun of getting to know one another!

The yearbook photo studio opened as well. Every year Stephanie Mitchell's photo studio is a hive of activity. She takes beautiful portraits of our attendees which are (optionally) published in the Esprit Yearbook. She can also print them on "Friendship Cards" which are ideal for networking during and after Esprit. For some, this is the very first time they have ever been photographed en femme and the moment can get quite emotional!

Participants in the Tuesday Port Townsend shopping trip had a great time chatting all the way to Port Townsend and getting to know each other. The best store in town has shoes and new clothes on the top floor and a huge consignment shop on the bottom floor. Pictures were taken with everyone by their finds. Every store in Port Townsend was pleased to see everyone again.

The newly opened Wine on the Waterfront bar was a great addition to the Esprit winery tour events. They have delicious varieties of wine, and a great live entertainment show.

A group of ladies rode the ferry to take in the old English atmosphere of Victoria. The attendees visited shops and gardens, some enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride, and some visited the Empress Hotel for an authentic high tea.

The Tuesday Ascot night was an unqualified success as was the competition for most outrageous headwear. The selection was truly artistic and our thanks go to the prizewinners and many participants. Most of the attendees go to this early-in-the-week event and have a great time socializing and betting on horse races.

The Significant Other program kicked off a week filled with well attended luncheons and supportive classes. Dotti Berry facilited groups on relationship dynamics; tears and laughter were shared.

The First-Timer wine and cheese party took place on Wednesday afternoon. Big Sisters and Little Sisters gathered to meet each other and talk about the days so far and the days to come.

On Wednesday the Port Angeles Community Players presented attendees a private showing of the fast-paced British Farce "Out of Order". After the play, attendees were treated to a lively after-party with the cast. This after-party, apparently the first of its kind, was created by the theater cast just for the enjoyment of Esprit attendees.

On Thursday, a smashing time was had by all who attended the Afternoon Tea in the Red Lion dining room. On antique dishes loaned by the family of a Red Lion Hotel staff member, everyone enjoyed exotic teas, huge strawberries topped with Chantilly cream, scrumptuous tea sandwiches, and dainty cakes, scones, tarts, and truffles.

The Winery-Art Walk Tour went well, and the art walk hosted by local art docent Richard Stephens visited the numerous murals and sculptures throughout downtown. A visit to one art gallery allowed attendees to see an incredible display of elaborate costumes.

The local "Ladies Night Out" downtown shopping event let our attendees sample great offers at various local stores.

For those who who really wanted to party, the scene at Bar N9NE was crowded and energetic with locals and Esprit attendees eager to see The Nasty Habits. The Nasty habits drew packed crowds and dedicated local fans throughout the weekend.

Local stores such as Black Diamond Bridal, Fashion Bug, and others sponsored the Friday Fashion Show by loaning clothing and dressing tips and helping with announcing the models as they entered the luncheon room. Assistants from local businesses and Esprit presenters helped with last second makeup and hair touchups, and several volunteers organized the backstage chaos and kept the two dozen models moving.

The Friday Talent Show was held again at the historic Elk's Lodge ballroom. This year's science fiction event packed the balcony again with local residents who contributed $5 to Clallam County Hospice to see the show. If you weren't there, you missed the great decor and the amazing Trans-Port-Her which was a source of endless laughs because of its unplanned malfunctions and its apropos ability to transform male crew members into striking beauties.

During Saturday's luncheon keynote, Seattle Police Dept. Asst. Chief Dick Reed and Det. Kim Bogucki discussed progress in law enforcement's treatment of sexual minorities and some of the specific initiatives in the Seattle Police Department.

The traditional and emotional graduation ceremony was held for first-time attendees and SO's. Congratulations to all of you!

Saturday night's Celestial Ball was also a big success with many georgeous gowns and on display. The outstanding music was provided by returning band The Walrus who played excellent covers of classic dance and R&R favorites. The yearbook, sent to all attendees, celebrates all the Esprit and Hollywood divas at our event.

The Slumber Party is always a favorite. Starting at midnight on Saturday of Esprit, it becomes the focal point of Esprit especially when people start leaving Bar 9 where the Nasty Habits were playing. The event is designed to give people a time to reflect on a week of fun. This year a toy bear was given to each person wanting to talk. As each person talked, they gave their view of Esprit. We missed Lisa from Portland this year. She was always one who really was able to dig deep into her feelings. Lisa passed away in the preceding year. We will all miss you Lisa. As people spoke we went through 14 pizzas, pop and other goodies. Everyone had such a great time it was with difficult to close the doors at 2:30am. The Slumber Party is a yearly event. Come and join us for the Esprit 2011 Slumber Party.