The King of the Pool Party
IF YOU HAVEN’T MET CORKY BLANKENSHIP YET, PERHAPS HIS ANNUAL PRIDE POOL PARTY IS THE PERFECT PLACE.
Corky’s 8th Annual Pool Party has another new location this year — “Corky’s Corner” at the Wrangler parking lot. Jimmy says that while the event’s location is being provided by the bar, the party is a separate entity.
“The Wrangler has really stepped up a lot this year, including waiving a lot of their policies,” Jimmy explains. The bar has also offered many of their vendors and is providing porta potties.
Despite the tension between the drag and trans communities, the Wrangler wants everyone to attend the party. Corky says one of the best parts of his Pride celebration is how it’s a mix of all parts of the gay community.
The party kicks off at 11:30am with VIP entry. Everyone else is allowed in at noon. Festivities will continue until 4pm, so you’ve got plenty of time to get ready for the Pink Party or take a disco nap before Tracks.
There will two 58-inch round pools and a 30-foot pool, all of which will be filled with heated water. “We’re unofficially having a c*ck-and-balls-shaped pool,” Jimmy laughs. Club Q from Colorado Springs is donating a 175-square-foot foam pit for the end of the longer pool, and 12,000 pounds of sand will provide a beachy atmosphere.
An open bar sponsored by Stoli, Svedka, and Coors will be offered to all attendees, and the VIP area will include its own private bar.
Voted “Most Creative Fundraiser” in Out Front’s 2014 Outstanding Awards, entertainment includes an underwear/ bikini fashion show, drag performers, gogo dancers, and several DJs. Thousands of Corky’s infamous Jello shots will be available in every color of the rainbow.
Funds from ticket sales will be evenly split between charities through the Corky Cares Foundation. This is the first year contributions will be made to charities that aren’t necessarily driven by the LGBT community but still offer support, Jimmy clarifies.
For example, Adaptive Adventures helps disabled war veterans participate in recreational activities. They have a special division for transgender vets who are making the transition and may have a few more issues to deal with.
Money will also be provided to several theater programs, the foundation’s AIDS Walk team, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. In fact, Gaga’s foundation donated a number of signed collectables to be raffled at the party. Commemorative shirts will be available for a $20 donation.
Jimmy says they’re hoping for attendance to be close to 2000 this year. Historically, turnout has doubled every year, so that number is on track. In other words: Prepare for a huge crowd.
If you’re planning to attend the party, Jimmy cautions to bring sunscreen. Clothing checks will be available as well. If you forget to plan for a ride, Uber (a party sponsor) has partnered to offer a special pickup spot outside the venue.
Earlier this month, volunteers began ticket sales at local LGBT bars. If you plan to grab one that way, sellers will be wearing Corky Cares tanks.
Tickets for Corky’s Pool Party are also available online. General admission is $30 and VIP is $50. VIP tickets include entry into an exclusive zone. VIP cabanas for 10 people are $700 and include bottle service. The pool party usually sells out, but a limited number of tickets may be available at the door. CorkyCaresFoundation.org
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