Mountain bound

BLOWING ROCK — Takeover Friday is heading back to the hills from Nov. 13-15!

Enjoy three days hanging out, renewing old friendships, meeting new friends and taking to the slopes (if snow is available).

Takeover Cocktail Party kicks off the festivities at the Lounge at the Inn at Crestwood, 3236 Shulls Mills Rd. It starts at 7 p.m. and lasts the whole night through. Drink specials are available.

During the day on Saturday, participants are on their own to explore. Visit the slopes, browse shops…whatever keeps you in a laid-back mode. Rest up, because that evening begins the Progressive Takeover in the heart of the Village. Meet at 5 p.m. at Maple Lodge, 157 Sunset Dr., for complimentary Pink Ladies. A map and coupons will be provided to everyone, then head on out for an enjoyable evening.

Next stop is Gregory Alan’s Unique Gifts and Home Furnishings along with Christopher’s Wine and Cheese shop for a wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and a group shopping experience.

Don’t stop now. It’s time for music and fun at Neaco hip and groovy home decor and music.

After sashaying away from Neaco, it’s time to join Carol at J.W. Tweeds to see the latest in men’s and women’s eclectic mix of European and American sportswear, including more wine, hors d’oeurves and a 20 percent off coupon. Final destination will be Glidewells’ on Main Street for more drinks and dinner.

On Sunday, end this fun-filled weekend by heading down the mountain at a leisurely pace.

Accommodations are being booked through Maple Lodge. Friday night is regular price and Saturday night is half price and includes a homemade breakfast each morning, along with private parking. Be sure to ask about an additional 10 percent off in conjunction with their promotional package offered during the NC Gay Ski Weekend held Feb. 5-7, 2010.

For more information, email Dan Mauney at dan@takeoverfriday.com or visit www.loungeatcrestwood.com or www.maplelodge.net.

Festival attracts hundreds

ASHEVILLE — After a near loss of Asheville’s hometown Pride festival in 2008, new organizers banded together to present a new and improved Blue Ridge Pride Festival in downtown’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on the weekend of National Coming Out Day in October.

Several hundred Asheville and Western North Carolina community members came out to watch several musical entertainers, shop and peruse vendor booths and community resources, and connect for community building and empowerment.

The reinvented festival was held on Oct. 10, a day prior to National Coming Out Day and the national Equality march in Washington, D.C.

Festival chair Amy Huntsman told The Asheville Citizen-Times that the goal of the event was to “cross-pollinate” the community and to bring folks together.

“Asheville is this weird pocket of acceptance, but because Asheville has this attitude, people get complacent,” she told the daily paper. “Everybody has their little projects here and there, but for a town that’s so accepting, there’s not really a sense of community.”

Youth fundraiser held

ASHEVILLE — A Halloween fundraiser for a local LGBT youth service and support organization was held on Oct. 30.

The “Fashion Bites Back” runway show featured Halloween-inspired fashions and costumes. A few fabulously-dressed monsters even made an appearance. All proceeds from the event supported Youth Outright, which offers support to LGBT youth from Asheville and surrounding areas in Western North Carolina. The group holds support meetings for youth every Friday evening.

“Youth come from all of the WNC counties, and they come to this place to be able to talk about issues,” Youth Outright board chair Stephen Dermargosian told The Asheville Citizen-Times.

Youth Outright has been active in several forms since 2006. They received their own non-profit status this year. The fundraising event was just one of many meant to help the organization get on its feet and continue to provide much needed services to youth.