Holly Folly Weekend in Provincetown

The Provincetown Business Guild presents A Gay and Lesbian Holiday Festival

“Have a Holly Folly weekend! It’s the best time in P’town!”

There will be free parking in municipal lots Nov 1 to Mar 30

Below are the events & specials & what restaurants, stores, galleries that are open for 2011

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Holiday Lighting Contests

Whether it be a house, a store front window, a Lobster Trap, or even your yard we want to see it decorated

So dig out that big ball of holiday lights, Frosty from the cellar and whatever other holiday decorations are around and show your Holiday Spirit

Make sure to register with the PBG Office to enter to win.

Three cash prizes are being offered to:

Best Residential & Best Commercial & Best Lobster Trap

Also Best Restaurant & Runner's Up

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Holly Folly Headquarters will be located at 261 Commercial St across from the Old Firehouse (between Town Hall and Adam's) on Commercial Street. Hours of operation: Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm. 

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Holly Folly Shop Hop!- If you've had enough of drab malls and the same old thing then the Shop Hop is for you. Get your holiday shopping done and get a chance to win one of 3 prize baskets. Shop at the unique stores or wonderful art galleries (there's lots of sales too) and then take a break by enjoying a meal at one of the many fine restaurants in town. Save the receipts from the participating stores, art galleries, and restaurants you've shopped or ate at, take them to the welcome center where your receipts get tallied and entered into a raffle to win a prize basket. It's that easy and lots of fun. A list of participating merchants is on the back of the Holly Folly program.

Annual Toy Drive to benefit the St. Peter’s Kitchen Angels Toy and Necessities Fund at The Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial Street. 

The toy drive will run from Friday, November 5th through Saturday, December 4th. Toys should be new, unwrapped and can be for any age, from toddler through teenager. All donations may be dropped off at the Central House Restaurant or to The Crown & Anchor office. Monetary donations in place of toys can be made in the form of a check, and can be made out to St. Peter’s Kitchen Angels. The St. Peter’s Kitchen Angels is an organization that assists families in Provincetown & the outer Cape and works in conjunction with other local support groups, such as Helping Our Women (HOW). The Kitchen Angels Organization is in operation year round and is staffed by local volunteers. The Crown & Anchor’s goal this holiday season is to collect enough toys to fill the sleigh that is displayed on the patio of the Central House throughout the Toy Drive. If you have any questions please contact Rick Reynolds at 508-487-1430 ext. 227. 

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Land's End Inn Holiday Gala, 22 Commercial St. Start the Holly Folly Celebration with a silent auction and raffle of great prizes to benefit The Baobab Home in Tanzania, East Africa. http://www.tzkids.org

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Holly Folly Sing-A-Long with Casey & Denise at the Porchside Bar, Gifford House Inn, 9 Carver Street (free)
Request your favorite holiday tunes. There is never a cover at the Porchside Bar.

8:00 PM TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING, Show starts at 9pm in Paramount at the Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial Street. This is a benefit for the Aids Support Group of Cape Cod. This years’ event promises to be bigger and better with MORE Raffle Items and amazing performances from some of Provincetown’s most talented entertainers!

9:00 PM - Close, "Official Welcome Party For Boston Gay Men's Chorus" at theShipwreck Lounge, 8 Carver Street at The Brass Key
Come join us for a meet and great with the Boston Gay Men's Chorus.  Complimentary Snacks. www.ptownlounge.com

10:00 PM - 1:00AM, The Snow Ball at the A House, 4-6 Masonic Place ($5.00 cover for PBG Fundraiser)
This Holly Folly tradition is also a fundraiser for the PBG. Great music and fun to start the weekend off. Hosted by Thirsty Burlington and featuring music by Resident DJ and Billboard Magazine Reporter David LaSalle. For more information visitwww.ahouse.com

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Holly Folly Headquarters will be located at 261 Commercial St across from the Old Firehouse (between Town Hall and Adam's) on Commercial Street. Hours of operation: Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm. See Friday for description.

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Holly Folly Shop Hop! - Day 2

Annual Toy Drive to benefit the St. Peter’s Kitchen Angels Toy and Necessities Fund at The Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial Street
The toy drive will run from Friday, November 5th through Saturday, December 4th. Toys should be new, unwrapped and can be for any age, from toddler through teenager. All donations may be dropped off at the Central House Restaurant or to The Crown & Anchor office. Monetary donations in place of toys can be made in the form of a check, and can be made out to St. Peter’s Kitchen Angels. The St. Peter’s Kitchen Angels is an organization that assists families in Provincetown & the outer Cape and works in conjunction with other local support groups, such as Helping Our Women (HOW). The Kitchen Angels Organization is in operation year round and is staffed by local volunteers. The Crown & Anchor’s goal this holiday season is to collect enough toys to fill the sleigh that is displayed on the patio of the Central House throughout the Toy Drive. If you have any questions please contact Rick Reynolds at 508-487-1430 ext. 227.

10:00 AM, Ornaments for Outreach, Blue Gallery, 389 Commercial Street.

An artfuly holiday celebration to benefit the Lower Cape Outreach Council.

Bring a piece of the Lower Cape back home with you this holiday season.  Ornaments made by local artists will be available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Lower Cape Outreach Council.

Preview the ornaments starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday while enjoying breakfast goodies and drinks.  Sales start at Noon.  See an ornament by an artist that you must have; bid in the silent auction for the right to choose first, must be present at noon to make your selection.

11:00 AM – 1:00PM, Mr. & Ms. Santa Photo-Op, Song Of Myself Photography,261 Commercial Street, Holly Folly Head Quarters ($30)

Get a professionally taken photo with Santa, Ms. Santa or both! Fun, festive or naughty you'll get a terrific memory of your weekend and help support two charities. All proceeds benefit Helping Our Women and the Aids Support Group of Cape Cod. Cost is $30.00 person, each additional person or pet is $10.00.

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM - Plymouth & Brockton's Holly Folly Jolly Trolley - Saturday ONLY the trolley will be making a continuous loop around town (WEST on Commercial Street, NORTH on Franklin, Up to the Pilgrim Monument, EAST on Bradford, SOUTH on Howland). Get around town easily with all your bags, get dropped off at the front door of one of the Inns on the Holly Folly Inn Stroll, or just enjoy a ride around town to see all the holiday lights. The trolley can be flagged down anywhere along the route and it's FREE!

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, SOUPER SATURDAY in the Wave Bar at the Crown & Anchor 47 Commercial Street

A variety of soups will be available from many local restaurants at $5 a bowl. Proceeds benefit the Soup Kitchen In Provincetown. SKIP's goal is to provide nutritious and healthful meals in a welcoming and warm atmosphere to all individuals in the community who are either in need or seek community. The lack of proper nutrition for many in Provincetown is an ongoing challenge, particularly as it relates to the town's seasonally employed and chronically unemployed residents.

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Holly Folly Inn Stroll, (free)
Enjoy light refreshments and fabulous decorations as the following inns open their doors for some holiday cheer: Aerie House & Beach Club, Brass Key, Carpe Diem Guesthouse & Spa, Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa, Fairbanks Inn, Gabriel's at the Askbrooke Inn, Gifford House, Prince Albert Guest House, Somerset House Inn, Watership Inn and White Wind Inn.

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Holly Folly Sing-A-Long with Casey & Denise at thePorchside Bar, Gifford House Inn, 9 Carver Street (No Cover)
Request your favorite holiday tunes. There is never a cover at the Porchside Bar.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, "Holly Folly Holiday Karaoke" at the Atlantic House, 4-6 Masonic Place
Sing A Long with Thirsty Burlington to your favorite holiday tunes in the Little Bar.
For more information visit www.ahouse.com

8:30 PM, BOSTON GAY MEN'S CHORUS at Town Hall, 260 Commercial Street
A great Holly Folly tradition, enjoy the perfect kick-off to the holiday season in Provincetown's own Grande Dame, Town Hall. One show only! Tickets are $27.00 each. Doors open at 7:30pm. We hope to see you there! Tickets on sale NOW at the Provincetown Business Guild office, 508-487-2313 and will also be on sale at 261 Commercial St across from the old Firehouse between Town Hall and Adam's on Holly Folly Weekend.

9:00 PM Broadway at the Art House presents ANDREA MARTIN,214 Commercial Street. Emmy and Tony winning actress in Final Days! Everything Must Go!!! featuring Seth Rudetsky at the piano. Tickets are $50 for general seating and $75 for VIP seats and can be purchased atwww.ptownarthouse.com

9:00 PM - Close, Cabaret Singer Gerald Goode will be performing at Central House at the Crown and Anchor, 247 Commercial St. www.onlyatthecrown.com

9:00 PM - Close, VJ Tom Yaz in the Wave Bar, At the Crown & Anchor 247 Commercial St. Our resident VJ makes a special 'Holly Folly' appearance with his vast library of music and comedy videos to make your night Jolly! NO COVER!
Welcome Boston Gay Men's Chorus!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Holly Folly Headquarters will be located at 261 Commercial st across from the Old Firehouse (between Town Hall and Adam's) on Commercial Street. Hours of operation: Friday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm. 

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Holly Folly Shop Hop! - Day 3 - raffle winners will be announced at 4:00 PM at the Holly Folly Headquarters.

3:00 PM Broadway at the Art House presents ANDREA MARTIN, 214 Commercial Street. Emmy and Tony winning actress in Final Days! Everything Must Go!!! featuring Seth Rudetsky at the piano. Tickets are $50 for general seating and $75 for VIP seats and can be purchased at www.ptownarthouse.com

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Gregg's Cookie Party at the Porchside Bar, Gifford House Inn 9 Carver Street (No Cover)
Complimentary cookies and sweets, fabulous holiday decorations, fireplace, and cash bar.

10:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Holly Folly Classic Disco Night at the Atlantic House, 4-6 Masonic Place
Great music and fun to cap the weekend off. Hosted by Thirsty Burlington and featuring music by Resident DJ and Billboard Magazine Reporter David LaSalle.
For more information visit www.ahouse.com.

  

Restaurants

Fanizzi's By the Sea, 539 Commercial Street
Open everyday (except Christmas Day) - Lunch 11:30am to 4:00pm, Dinner 4:00pm to 9:30pm. Enjoy Early Bird Specials from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, Fish Fry Friday only $11.95 with house salad, and Sunday Buffet Brunch 10:00am to 2:00pm. Contact: 508-487-1964, fanizziinc@aol.com or visit fanizzisrestaurant.com.

Central House at the Crown & Anchor, 247 Commercial St, open Thursday December 1st through Saturday December 3rd for Lunch & Dinner. Lunch 11:00am – 4:00pm, Dinner 5:00pm – 9:00pm. We are now taking reservations for New Years. Please call 508-487-1430 ext 229  www.onlyatthecrown.com

Bayside Betsy's, 177 Commercial St, open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Reservations now being accepted for New Year's Eve:
tel. 508-487-6566 or www.baysidebetsys.com

The Bistro at Crowne Pointe, 82 Bradford St, Wednesdays 2 for 1 Entree Night and Sundays are $14.95 Italian Night Specials.
tel. 508-487-2365; www.provincetown-restaurant.com

Shops & Attractions

Perry's Wine & Liquors, One Tremont St (at Commercial)
Enjoy Saturday wine tastings year round from 4pm to 6pm. Tel. 508-487-0140 or visit www.perrysptown.com.

Hersheldon's Leather, 317 Commercial St
Open year round. Call 508-487-9046 for exact hours. Selected coats 50% off. Selected footwear 50% off. Sales last year round while merchandise lasts. Largest footwear selection you have ever seen.

Provincetown Art Association and Museum, 460 Commercial St, open year round - Thursday to Sunday Noon to 5pm including holiday Mondays. Call 508-487-1750 or visit www.paam.org for information on exhibits.

Flower by Lisa -3 Noons Heights Road, Truro 508-487-2270 ”Bringing even more beauty to Cape Cod” Your holiday event is not complete till the flowers have arrived. Stop by the shop or simply phone in your order, and we will design the perfect arrangement for you, we deliver to Provincetown, Truro and Wellfleet. We are offering 10% off all holiday orders for local business owners and all Holly Folly events.  Excellent designs, quality, quantity, prices and nice people. Happy holidays from Flowers by Lisa.

Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree and the Pilgrim Monument

Photos by Jim Bakker and Radu Luca

Before

After

Lighting of the Lobster Pot Tree, 2011

Julian Popko setting up the Lobster Pot Tree
in Lopes Square, Provincetown

Notes from Land's End: Nov. 21

Giving Thanks, Provincetown Style

By Laura Shabott

November 22nd, 2011

Today’s Provincetown Thanksgiving traditions aren’t really all that different from the Pilgrim’s first time to Land’s End. Visitors arrive ready to eat and drink, check out the native haunts, get new clothes, acquire treasures and then leave for Plymouth (and beyond). There’s something for everybody this holiday, with tons to do day-to-night.

There’s something for everybody this holiday, with tons to do day-to-night.

Free parking makes it easy to come on down and join us for the Lighting of the Monument, an annual tradition at PMPM, High Pole Hill, Wednesday, November 23rd, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Cookies, Cider, friends and LIGHTS! Lots of bars and restaurants are open for a pre-holiday crawl along Commercial Street afterwards.

On Thanksgiving Day, there are lovely places to have a delicious meal: The Mews (429) and Bistro at Crowne Pointe (82 Bradford) are offering special Thanksgiving Dinners. Reservations are strongly suggested.

Everyone is welcome at the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP), United Methodist Church, 20 Shank Painter Road, for a Thanksgiving meal, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is a loving place for nourishment of the soul, the spirit and the belly. Don’t be alone this holiday when you can be among friends in our community. Donations are welcome.

02657 has its own version of Black Friday, with two Arts and Crafts Fairs, both from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.(ish), Friday/Saturday, at the UU Church and Provincetown Town Hall. Buy work from local artisans and shop Commercial Street for 50% off sales galore.

Party till you drop all weekend long at the A-House, Purgatory, and Crown and Anchor. Thanksgiving night, “Karaoke and Dance That Stuffing Away” from 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the A-House, 4-6 Masonic Avenue, will be a riot. Friday, 11/25, brings the PBG Casino Night at the Crown and Anchor. A no-cover event, from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight, you can place your bets and be a winner at the Blackjack table, Roulette or the Money Wheel.

Join Julian Popko and his family for the Lobster Pot Tree Lighting, 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., in Lopes Square, now a town tradition.

Afterwards, strip down to your tighty-whities, boxers or briefs at Purgatory’s Underwear Party at the Gifford House. Believe me; lots of people, of all shapes and sizes, attend this event. Don’t be shy! Shake your booty Saturday night, 11/26, 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Maybe you want to keep your clothes on and head toThe First Encounter Coffeehouse in Eastham, for a delightful evening with Zoe Lewis, Saturday, starting at 8:00 p.m.

We hope that you join us in Provincetown this Thanksgiving, but wherever you are, enjoy!

“Notes from Lands End”, by artistic bon vivant Laura Shabott, is a weekly account of the people, places and events that make our town so special.

Provincetown.com is the longest-standing, independently-owned presence on the web in 02657.

Provincetown: Cape Cod’s Best Day Out

recommended by Cathy Winston

via TheTravelEditor.com

  ZaNiaC/Flickr

It’s rare that a destination can bill itself as gay-friendly, uniquely historic, a protected nature reserve, and perfect for art connoisseurs, lobster lovers and anyone who fancies a browse by the seaside. But that’s just what makes Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod the perfect day trip for anyone staying in Boston or on the peninsula.


The site of the Pilgrims’ first landing in America – they didn’t head to Plymouth and its rock for several weeks, as the locals are keen to remind you – it’s a small resort, all focused around Commercial street and the seafront, and closes down almost completely during the winter months.


But when the sun’s shining, it’s the perfect New England day out. Start by exploring the protected sand dunes along the ocean with Art’s Dune Tours, all wild cranberries, waving grasses and endless dunes. The fragile habitat means you can’t simply head off on your own, but taking a ride with Rob Costa who runs the tours, or any of the company’s guides, means you’ll get a brief taste of the area’s history as well as discovering the natural beauties.


Then climb the 252ft Pilgrim monument, attached to a small museum tracing the history of the area from the original settlers to the first European inhabitants and more recent times. The ferocious-looking Narwhal tusk is one of the stand-out exhibits, although it might not appeal to anyone who’s not a fan of taxidermy.


The granite monument itself isn’t too exhausting as the 116 steps are broken up by 60 gently sloping ramps, as well as carved names on the walls if you do need an excuse to catch your breath. Then enjoy the views out across the white clapboard houses to the boats in harbour and the fields inland, before heading back down.


But once you’ve ticked off a bit of history, devote the rest of your time to strolling along Commercial Street, which is crammed with souvenir shops, art galleries and a substantial number of boutiques selling pet paraphernalia. Stop to check out the vintage-style jewellery at Sparks – but don’t try to stroke the cat – and watching the colourful inhabitants who live, work and visit.


Then refuel with saltwater taffy, and a demonstration of how the sweet’s made, or homemade ice cream for around $4 at Lewis Brothers, before gorging on some of the freshest seafood in Massachusetts at the Lobster Pot.


Fast ferries run from Boston between May and October, with Bay State Cruises and Boston Harbour Cruises both taking around 90 minutes to reach Provincetown, or the Plymouth and Brockton bus line takes just over three hours from the city, via Hyannis.

Bonfire at Herring Cove Beach

Fall is my favorite season in Provincetown. 


Many people catch up on their reading and others (re)start project they have been putting off since Spring. But if you're an outdoorsy person, a bonfire on the beach is always fun. 


It's just like in the fairy tales: a few people gathered around the warming fire, little sparks making their great escape into the misty fresh air coming from the ocean, great company and stories from "back in the day" served with fresh marshmallows.


You do need a permit from the Cape Cod National Seashore to light a bonfire on the beach and having a fire pit is ideal. 


Also, remember to bring a few chairs, blankets (just in case) and water to put out the fire with. A camera is a must. You'll snap some great shots of the sunset. 


Have fun!

    

Pilgrim Party at Provincetown Museum honors 1st landing & 1st Thanksgiving

By Staff Reporters 

Provincetown Banner

The 391^st anniversary of the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World in Provincetown Harbor and the 390^th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving in Plymouth will be celebrated on Nov. 11, 2011, or 11-11-11, in a Pilgrim Party at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum.

The party was a concept created by Chatham resident Ron Nickerson as a way to mark the day 11-11-11, because he thought it was important to remember Nov. 11, 1620, the day the Mayflower sailed into Provincetown Harbor, and also to recognize the 390th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving.

The Pilgrim Party will feature a special postal cancellation commemorating the 390^th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving. At 1 p.m., Provincetown Postmaster Kathy Clobridge will release the new hand cancel stamp to commemorate 11-11-11 in the East Gallery. Guests will be able to purchase special 390^th anniversary envelopes for cancellation. This will be followed by a presentation at 2 p.m. by James Baker, author of “Thanksgiving, the Biography of an American Holiday.” This event is one of several PMPM is planning to hold in recognition of the Pilgrims’ landing, culminating with the Annual Lighting of the Pilgrim Monument from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

Baker’s book, “Thanksgiving, the Biography of an American Holiday,” explores how Thanksgiving has evolved into the contemporary celebration it is today. Following Baker’s talk, cake and cider will be served.

The event is free with admission to the museum.

The Provincetown Theater Company Presents The 2011 Fall Playwrights’ Festival

November 5,11,12 at 7:30 and 6,13 at 2:00

Seven short plays will make up the Fall Festival:

The Boy From Montana, by Carl A. Rossi (from a story by Susan O'Neill)

The Tour, by Candace Perry

A String Bean Tempest, by Jerry Thompson

Tony, by Doug Asher-Best

The Picture in the House, by Bragan Thomas (from a story by Howard Phillips Lovecraft)

Fruit Of The Forest Pie, by Dawn McDermott

(Man and Woman Encounter Their Differences, by Brigid Moynihan)

Performances:
Sat., Nov. 5, 7:30 pm;
Sun., Nov. 6, 2 pm;
Fri., Nov. 11, 7:30 pm;
Sat., Nov. 12, 7:30 pm;
Sun., Nov. 13, 2 pm

Costume Ball on Provincetown TV

Provincetown's Beaux Arts Ball

Zoom

Photos

Photo Nancy Bloom

A Roman warrior and a dance hall girl.

By Pru Sowers

Provincetown Banner

 “Over the top.” That was the unanimous consensus of the 800-plus crowd that packed Town Hall Saturday night for Provincetown's Beaux Arts Ball, the lucky ones who begged, borrowed or stood in line to get a ticket to the hottest social event of the year.

The event, underwritten by Marc Jacobs International, whose president, Robert Duffy, is a life-long visitor to Provincetown, raised approximately $20,000 through ticket sales and an as yet undetermined amount from sales of a T-shirt that featured a photograph of the 1916 costume ball held in the same auditorium. The money will go into a fund designated to pay for maintenance and repairs to Provincetown Town Hall.

From the decorations and lighting, to Debby Harry, former lead singer of Blondie, who performed four songs; to the open bar and free flowing appetizers provided by Victor’s, attendees, who braved a nor’ easter, felt they had been transported to a Manhattan rave club.

For more on the ball, pick up the Nov. 3 issue of the Provincetown Banner.

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