Hot for flannel
The folks over at Sawmill know how to bring in the hot men, and the crowds to cheer them on. The camping resort will hold its second annual Mr. Sawmill competition the weekend of March 13 and hand over $500 in cash to the winner. But the competition is about more than just looking hot in sleeveless flannel and steel-toed work boots. Competitors must conquer several challenges, including a pancake-eating competition, some Tug-of-War, and a barrel/keg toss. All of this will be done in front of an enthusiastic, cheering throng of gay men beginning with registration at 9 a.m. and running throughout the entire day March 15. Want details and photos of last year’s competition? Check out FLSawmill.com.
Shaking Pom Poms…in St. Pete
St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District will soon be home to an Orlando-based restaurant that’s expanding its franchise to the coast. Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria is an incredibly popular and LGBT-friendly eatery in downtown Orlando that serves incredible food. Now, retired Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Woodard and his partner are bringing Pom Moongauklang’s concept to St. Petersburg at 2950 Central Avenue. That’s right smack in the middle of other popular LGBT restaurants like The Queen’s Head and Beak’s Old Florida. No official word yet on when the restaurant will open its doors, but we’re certain it will be feeding the masses before St. Pete Pride in June.
Metro grabs the gold
The Bilmar Beach Resort on Treasure Island has never been so fabulous, or gay! The Metro Wellness and Community Center’s Gold Oscar Party was a huge success on March 2, as notables, elected officials and community movers and shakers helped raise money for the new LGBT Welcome/Youth Center slated to open this summer. Ticket holders were treated to an incredible menu and, upon entry, received two gold coins that were good for signature Academy Award-themed drinks. The awards show was projected on a huge screen in the front of the banquet room and punch lines delivered by show host Ellen DeGeneres received applause and laughs from the crowd. For more info on the new welcome center, visit MetroTampaBay.org.
Tasty Pride
This year is shaping up to be the biggest Taste of Pride yet. Organizers say that nearly all of the available 500 tickets to the annual festival of the taste buds on March 15 are gone. So if you want to sample foods from more than 15 restaurants at the Dali Museum, get online fast to get your entry. Tickets are at StPetePride.com and upon entering the iconic museum, you’ll receive a roll of tickets that are good to “purchase” food and drinks at every vendor table. As in previous years, the celebration will be inside and outside on the back patio area of the museum. Halfway through the event, the Dali will open its galleries to curious art lovers.
