Ascension Party Weekend Returns To Fire Island Pines

Ascension Party, the summer's wildest weekend festival of music, dance and friendship takes place August 15-17 in the all-gay oasis of Fire Island Pines. Thousands of men from around the globe will flock to the sun-drenched beaches for the three-day round-the-clock party.

Festivities for Ascension Weekend begin Friday night with the Ascension Underwear Party at Sip 'N Twirl, headlined by DJ Grind. The fun continues Saturday at 6 p.m. with the Ascension Tea Dance at Bay Walk featuring DJ Ralphie Rosario at the turntables, followed by Ascension Afterdark at Sip 'N Twirl?with DJ Theresa. The main event, the Ascension Beach Party on the Fire Island Pines beach, takes place Sunday at 12 p.m. with superstar DJ Paulo.

In 2006, Eric von Kuersteiner had a vision to create a fun daytime party for the new generation of Fire Island. Since then, Ascension has grown into the island's most anticipated and busiest weekend, with three days of stellar events, thousands of cute guys and unsurpassed entertainment-all raising money for charity, benefiting the Fund in the Sun Foundation.

Since its inception eight years ago, the foundation's directors - Hal Rubenstein, David Nickle and Eric von Kuersteiner - have raised more than $4 million for the protection of the environment and infrastructure of Fire Island Pines, while also donating grants to worthy LGBT charitable organizations.

Beneficiaries from the proceeds for this year's mega-party weekend include the Hetrick-Martin Institute and the Harvey Milk High School; Live Out Loud; Friends In Deed, which provides support services for those with HIV/AIDS; One Heartland, which affords summer camping programs for GLBTQA kids; Standing Tall, which helps wheelchair-bound kids and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

"The event raises money for some great causes but it's also an explosive party featuring premiere talent and over-the-top production," says von Kuersteiner.
Previous Ascension entertainers include Kelly Rowland and Dragonette, as well as Erika Jayne, Kristine W, Neon Hitch and Crystal Waters. "Our team scours the US and abroad, attending all the major gay parties to scout the newest and hottest talent." Sean Patrick Ryan produces the spectacular parties.

"We offer incredible music, hot boys in sexy swimwear and the stunning backdrop of sunshine over the Atlantic Ocean." von Kuersteiner concludes, "We assure you, you won't be disappointed."

Tickets available now at Tagg NYC (720 9th Ave, New York) and online at www.ascensionparty.com.