Last Year's Events

The specially selected classes and presentations blasted off on Monday with Crossdressing 101, Makeup Basics, and many other selections. At the end of the week, surgeons of national recognition closed out our presentation program.

Local merchants and regional trans-friendly vendors were ready to service the attendees with courteous service and many vital feminine items. The literature table was filled with flyers and coupons for local businesses--more than one could possibly hope to visit during only a week in Port Angeles. The Resource Mall was overflowing during much of the week. We had about two dozen registered Resource Providers with breast forms, hair/wig, jewelry, nails and pedicures, custom-made shoes, and many other services. The free fashion boutique is always a magnet for first-time attendees where they quickly expand their wardrobes.

Decked out in a wide variety of fashions, nearly 30 cuties found their way to our Monday evening Pool Tournament venue at The New Peking on highway 101. Our gracious hosts, the Fong family, opened on Monday just for us, coordinated our tournament, and featured a delectable menu complete with libations. Their spacious establishment provided ample table time to strut our stuff, socialize, and to kick off a week of adventure and fellowship! (Sadly, the New Peking burned down and we don't know if it will return.)

The Yearbook photo studio opened as well. Every year Stephanie Mitchell's photo studio is a hive of activity. She takes beautiful portraits of our attendees which are published in the Esprit Yearbook (only with the attendee’s permission). She will also print their beautiful photos on "Friendship Cards" which are ideal for networking both during and after Esprit. For some, this is the very first time they have ever been photographed en femme and the moment can be very emotional!

Participants on the Tuesday Port Townsend Shopping TripTuesday Port Townsend shopping trip had a great time chatting all the way to picturesque Port Townsend and getting to know each other. This quaint, laid-back port has a sophisticated ambience and many intimate restaurants and shops which are an ideal way to spend a quiet yet exciting afternoon.

A group of adventurous and well-dressed ladies crossed the San Juan strait on the MS Coho to take in the well-preserved old English atmosphere of Victoria, BC. The attendees visited the lovely shops and gardens, some enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride, and then visited the Empress Hotel, the high-light of the trip, for an unforgettable authentic high tea.  This is a must-do event.

For those attendees with an adventurous streak, there was the traditional nature trip to picturesque and very chilly Hurricane Ridge National Park which is an hour’s drive in the high in the Olympic Mountain Range.  The view, flora, and fauna are well worth the trip.

The Tuesday Ascot Race night, a true replication of the highly sophisticated British fashionista event, was once again an unqualified success, as was the competition for most fashionable display of millenary art. The selections were truly artistic and our thanks go to the prizewinners and many participants. Most of the attendees go to this early-in-the-week event and have a grand time socializing and wagering on the British-style horse races.

The Significant Other program kicked off a week filled with well-attended luncheons and supportive classes. Sharon Slagle coordinated groups on relationship dynamics; tears, shared experiences, and laughter were shared.

The First-Timer wine and cheese party took place on Wednesday afternoon. Big Sisters and Little Sisters gathered to meet each other and talk about the days so far and the days to come.

On Wednesday the Port Angeles Community Players presented a local production. After the play, attendees were treated to a lively after-party with the cast.

On Thursday, the attendees were treated to an Esprit first--an attending couple, Isabelle and Ashley, rededicated their wedding vows in a moving, formal service in the San Juan De Fuca room at the Red Lion Hotel surrounded by friends and everyone celebrated with cake, toasts, and tossing and catching of bouquets.

The Winery-Art Walk Tour went well, and the art walk hosted by local art docent Richard Stephens visited the numerous murals and sculptures throughout downtown. A visit to one art gallery allowed attendees to see an incredible display of elaborate costumes.

Additional Thursday evening activities featured the "Ladies Night Out" Port Angeles Downtown Merchants shopping tour and dinner which allowed our attendees to visit local merchants and sample special Esprit sales.  Over a dozen of our ladies enjoyed a leisurely dinner and the warm ambience of the Café Garden restaurant.

For those with the energy who really wanted to party, the scene at Bar N9NE was crowded and energetic with locals and Esprit attendees eager to see The highly popular Seattle TG band, the Nasty Habits. The Nasty habits drew packed crowds and dedicated local fans throughout the weekend.

Local stores such as Black Diamond Bridal, Fashion Bug, Maurices, Tiger Lilley Clothing and others helped support the highly popular Friday Luncheon and Fashion Show by loaning clothing, fashion advice, and describing the models attire as they entered the banquet room. Assistants from local businesses, Esprit presenters, and volunteers helped with last second makeup and hair touchups, on-the-spot photography, minimized the changing room chaos and kept the two dozen models moving on schedule!

The Friday evening Talent Show and dinner dance was once again held at the historic Elk's Lodge ballroom. This year's country-western theme event packed the balcony and floor with a standing room-only crowd of local residents, each of whom contributed $5 to Clallam County Hospice. If you weren't there, you missed the great ambience, talent, and the amazing comedy of our own, Amanda Strong.

During Saturday's luncheon keynote, Seattle and Esprit’s own Claire Winter described her marvelous MTF journey to a highly receptive audience.
The traditional, solemn, and always emotional Graduation Ceremony, replete with the traditional presenting of the Esprit Butterfly pin to each first time attendee, was held at the Elk’s Naval Lodge grand meeting room for graduates, their SO's, Big Sisters, and guests. Congratulations to all of you, the Esprit class of 2011!

Saturday night's Formal Dinner and Dance at the Red Lion Hotel was another a spectacular event with an overabundance of gorgeous gowns and ladies on display. The outstanding music was provided by returning band, The Fabulous Boomers, who played excellent sets of classic dance and R&R favorites.

The Saturday Night Slumber Party is always a favorite. Starting at midnight on Saturday of Esprit, it becomes the focal point at the conclusion of Esprit.  The event is designed to give people a time to reflect on their week of fun and discovery. As each slumber-attired attendee spoke, the crowd tore through pizzas, pop and other carbs. Everyone had such a great time, and it was difficult to close the doors by 2:00am. The Slumber Party is a yearly event. Come and join us for the Esprit 2012 Slumber Party.

The Yearbook, sent free to all attendees, celebrates spirit of the Esprit event, and hopefully will remain a cherished memento in the years to come.