The 47th annual Independence Day, ‘Cherry Grove Invasion of Fire Island Pines’ took place on July 4, with original 1976 Invaders Panzi, the tradition’s founder, and Rose Levine prominently in attendance. Cherry Grove’s new Homecoming Queen 2022 JizzaBella led the Invasion with flair and Mr. Fire Island Leather 2022 Errik T. was part of the entourage supporting her.
In the nation’s bicentennial year, Grove queen Teri Warren went to the Pines in drag and was refused service at John Whyte’s restaurant, the Blue Whale. A party of crossdressers that included Panzi, Rose, and Lyn Hutton, later the Grove’s Fire Chief went to the Pines to avenge the slight against Teri; were not refused service; and declared victory over the colony to the East. Over the years, the original party of 20 increased to several hundred and the day is invariably festive.

photo credit & captions:
all photos by koitz
Panzi
pretty in pink
red, white & blue
bellying up to the bar
in their undies
rear view
Petra & Lina
keeping cool
sweet young things
on Dock Walk
China & friends
Robin Murray (right) & friend
Imperial Court of New York
Davida
group
all aboard
Parker Sargent
Sugar B. Real
the Pines awaits
Queen JizzaBella & Mr. Fire Island Leather Errik T. invade the Pines
JizzaBella
Rose Levine
pheasant feathers
Levonia Jenkins: Abort the Court
Drag Repair
Saki Tome
Beach Debris & YaNeeda Dunes
invading the Pines