West Coast Gathering:
West Coast Gathering 2023 Social Hour & Evening Themes
Among the highlights of each day at the West Coast Gatherings are the late afternoon social hour parties and evening events.
Just for fun, the social hour parties and evening events have a different theme each day. While nudity is still the overall rule, gathering attendees are encouraged (but not required) to wear accessories that correspond to the theme for the social hour and evening.
Social hour “costumes” can range from a simple cap or hat to the outlandish.
Suggestions for themes for CMEN’s West Coast Gathering 2023 were proposed by past Gathering participants. These suggested themes were reviewed and after months of deliberation the final themes were selected:
Tuesday, August 22 – Blue and Yellow, the colors of Ukraine
Make a political statement in support of Ukraine by wearing blue AND yellow OR… decide which color speaks to you (yellow or blue) and go with it!
For some blue ideas: How about your Navy dress blues or your hospital scrubs today? No need for anything as fancy as blue suede shoes, so what will you be… a Smurf, the Cookie Monster or the Bluebird of Happiness?! As for yellow… if you need ideas, just check the Yellow Pages! Or take a Big Yellow Taxi to Social Hour in your Yellow Jacket with a Yellow rose of Texas upon your lapel. Tie a Yellow ribbon ‘round your ole’ oak “tree.” Choose from a cast of lemon-colored characters: Tweety Bird, Colonel Mustard, Big Bird, Bart Simpson, a scary Ronald McDonald, a Minion, Pikachu, Pac Man or Curious George’s friend: the man with the Yellow hat. Grab your number-two pencil and be a Yellow Journalist. Just don’t have a “code-yellow” in your SpongeBob Squarepants!
Wednesday, August 23 – Genital Hospital
Ever wanted to play doctor or nurse? Now is the time! Take the Hippocratic Oath and dress in scrubs today with a stethoscope dangling from your nether regions! Have patients with your outfit… a lab coat, a red cross… anything you’d see at the Mayo Clinic. Who will it be… Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, or Julia? How about Jonas Salk, Dr. Kildare, or Dr. McCoy from Star Trek? You might as well be Marcus Welby. Or would a M.A.S.H. character be more your suit? Think Grey’s Anatomy, St. Elsewhere or Doogie Howser. Or could you relate more to Nurse Ratched from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest?” Dominant doctors, nelly nurses, and crazy patients unite!
Thursday, August 24 – Jocks and Cheerleaders
Like GEAR wear? Perhaps you emulate a football or baseball player? Any “sport” will do this afternoon! So, strap on that Jock or shoulder pads, and score a touchdown with a new friend! If you’re feeling girly, how about an outfit that involves pom-poms, a pig-tailed wig and a teensy skirt with nothin’ underneath! Be competitive today in athletic gear or creative sports-wear and be sure to give someone a wedgie!
Friday, August 25 – Don’t be a Drag be a Queen, Miss CMEN Queen
In the immortal words of Lady Gaga, it’s time for YOU to be a drag queen this afternoon! Time to wear your wig, boa, tiara, sequins and pumps and wear it proudly! Be the fiercest queen you can be… and choose an appropriate name for your persona: Will you be: Anita Procedure, Dixie Normous, Eileen Sideways, Wilma Titzgro or Izzy Unkutt? How about Mimi Furst, Ida Slapter, or Ivy Profen?! Just remember, “it’s not personal, it’s DRAG!” Selection of Miss CMEN Queen will highlight the evening.
Saturday, August 26 – Leather Fantasies, Mr. CMEN Leather
Yes Sir! The masculine aroma of men in black leather fills the air. Will tonight be the night of your fantasies? Look your best in polished motorcycle boots, a black leather cap, armbands, a harness, and/or other leather accessories. Selection of Mr. CMEN Leather will highlight the evening.
Sunday, August 27 – Mad Hatter
The Mad Hatter has arrived butt can’t decide which hat to wear. What would you suggest? A bonnet, beanie or bowler? What hat would your friends say is you? A Panama, pillbox, pork-pie or pith helmet? Wear your favorite cap, crown, fedora, trilby, deer-stalker, straw hat, top-hat, or even tiara! The options are endless. Be like Prince in his raspberry beret, or like your favorite cowboy in a ten-gallon hat (Bareback Mountain-style). Or go Village people-style with a construction hard-hat or a leather chapeau. Go all-out Jock with a Football Helmet, a sports visor, or a swimmer’s cap. Be like the Cat in the Hat or mix and match a Santa’s cap with a sombrero! Let’s show those Brits how it’s done during a Royal wedding! Not feeling super creative? Keep it simple and wear your favorite sports team’s baseball cap!
Volunteers are welcome to help with these and other proposed theme-related evening activities, please note any special interest when sending in the registration form.
Photography By: Rick B.
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