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