Pinkfest 2011

[External Poster]

This will be my first TG/TS/CD function that I have ever attended. I am not
familiar with the Chicago area. I am in the military and just got back from
Iraq. Can someone give me some info as to where to stay that will allow me to
park my car. What can I expect as a cross dresser.

[annie]

>Can someone give me some info as to where to stay that
>will allow me to park my car.

I'm assuming you want to stay in the city, proper.

There are two hotels that I'm aware of in the River North area which have no-hassle no strings attached free parking for guests with unlimited in-out 24*7.

The one I've stayed in is the Best Western River North. It's an older remodeled hotel. Smallish rooms but clean and nice, at least when I stayed there.

Beverly also mentioned the Howard Johnson's a few blocks away. I've never stayed there.

Of course all of the suburban motor hotels and motels will have parking for guests.

Personally, I enjoy Pinkfest better without a car. The last time I had one (at the BWRN), it sat in the garage 95% of the time.

>What can I expect as a cross dresser.

One thing to be aware of is that Pinkfest is not based on the model used for most of the large TG gatherings.

Pinkfest is best described as a sequence of various activities, all of which are optional. There's no registration fee and Pinkfest is very informal. Pinkfest is similar in structure to Diva Las Vegas, but smaller and more informal. The environment of Pinkfest is far less "protected and controlled" than is the case at most of the larger TG events.

If you're new to public exposure, I suggest you plan your outfits by observing what GGs of your age and size usually wear to activities such as the ones we'll have on the schedule. Yes, there will be opportunities to dress up and put on the dog, should you choose to wear one, and there will be some activities where casual attire will be expected.

The various dress articles which appear on this page will give you a lot of information, and although it pertains to DLV, much of it is relevant for Pinkfest.

http://www.geekbabe.com/dlv/dress/

>I am in the military and just got back from Iraq.

And, thank you for your service!

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Briana Atherton
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Annie,

Thank you for all the good advice. I was wondering if you are going to
be there, because I would love to meet you in person.

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(This posting was entered by Briana Atherton, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Laura Wright
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Annie wouldn't miss it.

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(This posting was entered by Laura Wright, an external user of MyDLV.)

[annie]

> I was wondering if you are going to
> be there, because I would love to meet you in person.

Yes, unless something totally unexpected happens, I will be there. I've had my air and hotel reservations for some time now.

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Briana Atherton
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What hotel are you staying in?

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(This posting was entered by Briana Atherton, an external user of MyDLV.)

[annie]

> What hotel are you staying in?

This year I'm at the Hampton Inn.

Last time I checked, they do have vacancy during Pinkfest, but unfortunately it's now up to $259.00 per night over Pinkfest. (I booked at a much lower rate a couple of months ago.)

They do not have a parking garage. IIRC they do offer parking, but via a private garage a few blocks away, valet park only, at something like $40 per night. (No, I am not kidding about that rate.)

[annie]

> I may try to get the Best Western or something like that.

Let me offer a few more comments and suggestions ...

A good synopsis of the hotel options for Pinkfest appears here. Worth reading if you have not done so already.

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2098

I cannot over-emphasize the necessity of making your reservations NOW! Rates are on the way up and properties are selling out.

One other option, an alternative to paying the confiscatory parking rates in town, is to park your vehicle either at the long term economy lot at Midway ($13 per day last time I checked) or at one of the Park-N-Ride CTA lots and then take the train into the city. The Cumberland station was $12 per day last I knew, and the lot at the end of the Skokie Swift was very reasonable, but it's a long train ride with a transfer (single fare) and IIRC there was some formality involved for a multi-day parking spot.

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Briana Atherton
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I may try to get the Best Western or something like that.

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(This posting was entered by Briana Atherton, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Briana Atherton
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I need to know where to find it.

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(This posting was entered by Briana Atherton, an external user of MyDLV.)