The first Diversity Day at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, presented by GoGayPuertoVallarta.com, has been set for Saturday, January 15th, 2011. Diversity Day is the first in a series of events planned throughout the year for the gay & lesbian (LGBT) community and its supporters to raise LGBT awareness, enjoy our community, and as fundraisers for local non-profits such as the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
Schedule of Activities
- 10 am – Noon: Enjoy the Gardens on your own!
- Noon: Garden Tour
- 1 pm: Male Photography Workshop
- 2 pm: Group Photo
- 2:30 pm: Folklorico El Tuito performers
- 3 pm: Garden Tour
- 3 – 5 pm: Portraits for Charity
- 4 pm: Orchid Workshop
- 5 pm: Tortilla Making Workshop
- 6 – 9 pm: Bonfire Of The Vanities party w/ DJ
Diversity Day is a “mix-in” with the Garden’s other weekend guests, but gays and lesbians are encouraged to wear green shirts in order to identify each other and to show strong numbers. Official T-shirts, with sales benefitting the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, will be available at the official Diversity Day websites at www.DiversityPV.com and www.DiversidadPV.com (in Spanish).
The event begins at 10 am when the Vallarta Botanical Gardens opens, and continues until 9 pm, after the Gardens closes to the public at 6 pm. Tickets are priced at $100 pesos each before January 12th, and $150 pesos each after January 12th, and at the gate. Tickets to the event include admission to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a welcome cocktail (or non-alcoholic drink), Diversity Day Business Expo, special Diversity Day activities, and the evening Bonfire of the Vanities party from 6 pm – 9 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at select retailers in the Zona Romantica and online at the Diversity Day websites listed above. All donations from the event ticket sales, sponsors, and vendor mart table rentals are being donated directly to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Sponsored bus transportation is being arranged for those guests who select the transportation option with their online ticket purchase (departure and return times to be announced), with public transportation by bus, taxi and personal vehicles encouraged.
The schedule of events is designed to provide a fun-filled day for everyone, from families to singles, young and young at heart! Enjoy the Vallarta Botanical Gardens at your leisure from 10 am until 12 noon as guests enjoy the extensive orchid collection, venture into the gully to explore dozens of species of ferns and palms, and swim in the Los Horcones River. Beginning at 12 noon, the LGBT Vendor Mart opens with displays and merchandise from local Vallarta businesses and fun activities for everyone continue through 6 pm (see list of participants and schedule of activities below). Join us for a guided Tour of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens with Curator Robert Price, tortilla making classes in the Hacienda de Oro kitchen, learn about raising orchids in your home or garden, enjoy a massage along the Los Horcones River, dress up or dress down by yourself, with your partner, or with friends for a portrait with photographer Paco Ojeda, play games on the lawn, participate in a flower arranging workshop, and much more. And make sure you arrive in time to participate in a group photo outside the Hacienda de Oro at 2 pm to show off your support!
Guests are encouraged to stay and dance into the night with other members of the LGBT community and their guests from 6 pm until 9 pm, as the Vallarta Botanical Gardens hosts the first Bonfire of the Vanities party as part of Diversity Day! A huge bonfire, gourmet smores provided by Xocodiva, classic disco tea dance music, cash bar, and special performances are planned for the post sunset festivities by the staff.
Hacienda de Oro’s restaurant will provide food and drinks throughout the day at menu prices. For those who would like to enjoy a meal at the Gardens, glass of homemade lemonade, and imbibe in our Diversity Day drink specials at the bar, the Hacienda de Oro will be serving food on the lower level to our guests. Live music and performances will occur throughout the afternoon in the lower level for those dining to enjoy. Please note 18+ ID is required for the purchase of alcohol at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and outside food and beverages are not allowed in the
Gardens.
To become a sponsor or for more information including artwork, interviews, and updated schedules please contact Andrew Briskin at havefun@gogaypuertovallarta.com or by telephone at (322) 100-5477.
Business Expo Participant List
- Alphonse Swimwear
- Axel Gerardo, Masseur
- Casa Cupula
- Discover San Pancho (Sponsored by Hotel Cielo Rojo)
- Flowers To Go
- GoGayPuertoVallarta.com
- Hotelito Jardin del Tuito
- Mexico Boutique Hotels
- Purr Project
- SETAC
- Vallarta Enfrenta el Sida
- VIP Salon
Sponsor List
- Casa Cupula
- CasaVallarta
- Go Gay Puerto Vallarta
- MexLend
- Timothy Real Estate Group
- Xocodiva
Source: Patrick Harrison, GoGayPuertoVallarta
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