Because GLBT travelers can't get enough of the place our favorite preacher calls «the most homosexual city in the South,» Eureka Springs cannot content itself with just one Gay Pride Day nor even a single Southern Decadence meltdown per year.

Nooooooooo, we got to have ourselves four--count 'em four--Diversity Weekends scattered throughout the 12-month calendar.

So, make your hotel or B&B reservations now for August 3-5. Here's the low-down on the high points of our annual summer sizzler:

Friday, August 3

Last Chance: For out-of-town couples to get their DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRY CERTIFICATES. For details, see these instructions, check out our list of businesses that offer DPR discounts and our guide to becoming domesticated.

Friday/Saturday, August 3, 4:

Hitch up the U-Haul: The 12th annual YARDS AND YARDS OF YARD SALES (almost 100 last year). Find locator maps at shops and restaurants. Sponsored--oddly--by the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. Patronized--avidly--by antique queens from far and near.

Friday - Sunday, August 3, 4, 5:

Hitch up the Pop-up: DIVERSITY CAMP OUT, Lake Leatherwood (nice combo there, doncha think?) campground (479) 253-2866. Advance reservations for RV sites ($15/night) and cabins ($70/night) required. Tenters ($10/night) pre-register at (479) 387-2871 or RaeSwt@yahoo.com by July 30. Contact: Summer Camp

Canoe & Paddle Boat Rentals Available. Fishing, Hiking, Biking and Swimming. Community Potluck Dinners & Campfires. Weenies and S'mores. Just two miles west of Eureka Springs off U.S. Highway 62.

Friday, August 3

S&M: Stand and Model at the Diversity Weekend Kick-Off Party. Serious cruising begins here. 'PRINCESS' WELCOME MIXER Caribe Restaurante y Cantina, 309 W. Van Buren, 7-9 p.m.ish. Co-sponsored by Diversity Pride Events and Eureka Pride.

Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the country--Lipstick ladies and sturdy gurls, leather to Levi guys, twinks, trans, clones, bis and burly bears. Contact: info@eurekapride.com

Spin Cycle: 10 pm - DJ Kyle Egan Live at Henri's Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring St. Dance to the hottest hip hop and R&B mixed live on two turntables. Shot specials all night.

Saturday, August 4

Straddle This: DIVERSITY BIKERS BRUNCH & RIDE 10 a.m. . Join Diversity Pride Events and the Diversity Bikers at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks, 207 W Van Buren. Then, saddle up and ride to show your true Rainbow colors.
Contact: Diversity Bikers

Wet n' Wild: MENS AND WOMENS SWIM PARTIES, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MEN: Rodeway Inn Swiss Holiday Resort, 2015 E. Van Buren. Featuring DJ Rob.
WOMEN: Carolyn's Ozark Swiss Inn, 3061 E. Van Buren.
Contact: Swim Parties

Kiss Off: PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA) photo shoot, 12 noon in Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie--or the perfect stranger--for posterity. And to amuse the tourists and annoy the fundies.

A chance, too, to show a Christian biker group--the Jericho Riders from Missouri--the difference between love and hate. The bikers will be in the park at the same time, praying for the Domestic Partnership Registry to go away. Not a chance. But be NICE to them anyway. Remember, the whole world is watching.
Contact: info@eurekapride.com

Cake 'n Cocktails: A reception honoring DOMESTIC PARTNERS, family and friends at 6 to 8 p.m. Generously hosted by Henri's Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring St. Sponsored by gaynewsbureau.com. No cover. Cash bar. Open to the public. Even--or especially--the Jericho Christian Bikers.
Contact: staff@gaynewsbureau.com

Splane it to us Lucy: Robbie Walker and a special guest, or a cavalcade of stars. With Robbie, you just never know. 9 pm Saturday night at Henri's Just One More. Come early. Robbie PACKS the house.

Subterranean Collision Course: Diversity Pride Events brings «COLLIDE» DANCE PARTY to Eureka Live Night Club, one flight below street level at 35 N. Main, 9 p.m.-2 p.m. Featuring DJ Rob. Contact: deborah@diversitypride.com

Disco Hoedown: Diversity Pride Event's RETRO/COUNTRY DANCE & CABARET, 9 pm. to 2 p.m. at Caribe Restaurante y Cantina, 309 W. Van Buren. Featuring DJ/singer Mary King and additional performers. Contact: deborah@diversitypride.com

Sunday, August 5:

A Feather In Your Cap: See Hitchcock classic «THE BIRDS» at our downtown BYO-canvas-chair-or-blanket and kids-and-dogs outdoor, under-the-stars Lucky13 Starlight Cinema. The TIPI HEDREN LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST alone is reason enough to extend your visit to Eureka Springs one more day. In the parking lot next to the Basin Park Bath House (huh?), 1 N. Main St. Start time: When the bats fly.

Updated 7/ 21/07

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