Leather Weekend in Cherry Grove will take place from May 15 to 17, as scheduled, celebrating New York’s Excelsior Motorcycle Club’s 40th anniversary, Twilight Guard, Connecticut’s 20th anniversary, and the Mr. Fire Island Leather contest’s 15th anniversary.
Belvedere Guest House for Men will serve as host hotel, as announced, for Excelsior and Twilight Guard’s “Cherry Grove 2040” run, with many attendees staying at Dune Point, since the Grove Hotel was devastated by a March 27 fire and is uninhabitable.
The May 15 bar night, Italian buffet for those registered for the run, and benefit Master/slave auction open to the public will take place at Island Breeze restaurant, as the Grove Hotel’s Ice Palace, though not damaged in the fire, will not yet be available.
The May 16 Leather Dinner will take place at Island Breeze, as planned, and the 15th annual Mr. Fire Island Leather contest, traditionally held at the Ice Palace, has been relocated to there, following the dinner, as well. Custom leatherwear designer David Samuel Menkes has prepared a sash for the winner and Island Breeze will give prizes to the winner and the runner up, winner of the Mr. Meat Rack title, as well. Judges of the contest will be Menkes and past Messrs. Fire Island Leather. At this writing, singer Porsche and Island Breeze Manager John Doyle are slated to co-host the auction and the contest. Contenders for the Mr. Fire Island Leather 2015 title will be judged on their dress leather, raunchwear, and fantasy wear, for a fantasy narrative or scene, on appearance, preparedness, and Q & A.