The 37th annual Cherry Grove Invasion of the Pines took place, as is customary, on July 4. It was coordinated by Invasion Founder Panzi, assisted by Gefil Tefish, and was led by Grove Homecoming Queen Robin Kradles, who was escorted by leathermen Mark Nayden, Mr. Fire Island Leather 2012, and Collin Stone, Titan Entertainment porn star.
The theme of Robin’s entourage echoed that of the Arts Project of Cherry Grove (APCG) season, “Around the World,” and its other members, representing various nations, real and imaginary, were APCG President Martha Pitkin, singers Jim Speake and John DeMarco, past Homecoming Queens YaNeeda Dunes, Beach DeBree, and Donna Piranha, with spouse Roger Cortez, past Empress Demi-Tasse, Wen-D Bouvier Pinkhouse, and Sarah Heartburn of the Imperial Court of New York, Denise Harbin, Aida Herring, and Sue Panzer. Queen Robin was deemed “Best Individual” by a panel of Pines Judges
Rose Levine and Robin Byrd were among those welcoming us to the Pines. Shequida and Bianca Del Rio were among the first to disembark from the Invasion ferry, as, with Peppermint, they were hosting a Fire Island Pines Pool Party, next to Hotel Ciel, for the Invaders. Miss Fire Island 2011 Logan Hardcore strode down the runway that was the Pines Pier, shortly after the Queen and her entourage. Reigning New York Emperor Ritz Kraka and Empress Witti Repartee were followed by the Emperor of Connecticut. Miss Fire Island 2002 Ariel Sinclair came as the notorious Tan Mom, complete with baby in her purse.
Also seen were Invaders Ann Phetamine; Jerena; Madison Mansfield; Chief Jill Navarra and members of the Cherry Grove Fire Department; a high fashion group all in red gowns, but for one in basic black; Miss Fire Island 2009 Renée Flaming; a “Toddlers and Tiaras” contingent, led by Angela Smith; Joyce Rodgers; Gilbert “Busty Ross” Baker, creator of the rainbow flag, who was judged “Most Political;” Charity, the second Miss Fire Island; Mica; La Tormenta, feathered and leathered; a group of 10, representing the New York City skyline, with each costumed as a particular Manhattan neighborhood; Homecoming Queen 2001 China; Lauren Ordair; an Olympics group; Miss Piggy; several Carmen Mirandas; a Syrian terrorist, deemed “Most Politically Incorrect;” “Evita Patrón;” a lusty rabbi; Olympic skaters, including the M&Ms, and Gusty Winds, as Tonya Harding, attacking Porsche, as Nancy Kerrigan; La Diva; Batwoman and Robin; Sonny and Cher and Chaz Bono; Frau Mathilde; the Drag Repair team, rescuing Mother from a wardrobe malfunction; the Cherry Grove Cupcake Fairies; a colorful group, led by Steven Menendez, that included bearded Jennifer Miller, on her second Invasion, burlesque’s lovely Julie Atlas Muz, on her first, boylesque’s flowery Tigger Ferguson, and the Statue of Liberty; Mermaidia; Juicy and Chicklet; Sandy Knees; Sarah Belle Palsy; and the Unsinkable Taffeta Brown, Titanic survivor.
Invaders scattered to the pool party, to the new Sip ’n’ Twirl preview party, or to the Blue Whale before boarding the ferry back to the Grove, to attend celebrations at the Ice Palace or at Cherry’s.