The Fire Island Pines proved once again it could throw a good party-or a series of them-with the 2010 installment of Ascension from August 13 through 15.

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of the "Real Housewives of New York" kicked off the festivities at 126 Beach Hill Walk on the 13th, with a performance of "Money Can't Buy You Class." The Monopoly-like money she threw from the balcony, before she began to sing, added an extra touch to her memorable-and/or other adjectives-spectacle. Carson Kressley was among those who attended.

On August 14, DJs Lina and Charlmix spun at the Float Party on Porgie Walk-the sight of dozens of Speedo-clad boys splashing and frolicking in the pool was also quite the spectacle for anyone who was there-and for this reporter, who became, arguably, appropriately soaked as a result. Deejays Twisted Dee and Phil B. worked the turntables at the Ascension Tea Dance at 236 Bay Walk. And singer Erika Jayne and her dancers put their pink, glittery guns to good use with their performance of "Pretty Mess."

photo by Koitz
Erika Jayne Posing for the Camera

"The song is fun and obviously my music is made to help you get up and dance and have a good time," she told Fire Island Q News in an earlier interview, "and that's what I hope the people on Fire Island will do this weekend."

Indeed, Leslie Jordan also took the stage, at Whyte Hall, on August 14, but the main event took place on the beach on August 15. Deejay Roland Belmares opened for the Freemasons, but thousands of people danced the afternoon away under an overcast sky. And DJ Xavier wrapped up the weekend with Afterglow at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove.

Michael K. Lavers is the managing editor of the Fire Island News and the national news editor for the EDGE Media Network. His work has also appeared in the Village Voice, WNYC, the Advocate and other LGBT and mainstream media outlets.