Ascension

Fire Island Pines
Brookhaven, NY 0

Launched in 2006, Ascension is among the newest events to hit the gay circuit. Held at the end of August in The Pines, Ascension is a weekend of exuberant celebration, hedonism and communal bonding, in the true spirit of the Fire Island tradition. The main dance event takes place in the daytime on the beach, which allows for day trippers to trek out to the Island and join the summer residents for the party. The event draws an eclectic crowd, mixing long time fire islanders, circuit boys from around the country, young kids from the city and oversea visitors.

The party takes place on a long dance area, surrounded by elevated VIP and sponsor tents, inhabited by the most gorgeous boys on earth, bouncing around in tight speedos, dancing lasciviously, their bulging chest reflecting the rays of the sun. A long reflecting pool marks the entrance to the dance area, circled by an array of blue Ascension banners fluttering to the wind.

The gorgeous setting of the party, with the dance floor a few feet from the Atlantic Ocean and the waves rolling on the shore conjures a magical energy which permeates the mind of the dancers. This strip at the edge of the world where men and women of all ages and walks of life gather to revel in a communal spirit feels like a utopian place, preserved from the trouble and worries of mundane life.

Ascension also signals the rebirth of the day parties which were a staples of Fire Island until the late 90’s, when the long running Morning Party got cancelled amidst controversies over rampant drug use and unsafe sex.

The vibe at Ascension is resolutely uplifting, thanks to the music spun by the new breed of circuit DJs including Brett Henrichsen who has been headlining the event for the past years. Brett’s music is the perfect match for an afternoon dance event, blending happy vocals and kicking groove that gets the crowd bumping and grinding through the day and into Low Tea.

The admission price is quite steep ($75 in advance), but the party is actually a fundraiser, with a share of the proceeds benefiting the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Fire Island Pines Foundation.

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