It may have rained on our parade, but that did not stop us from having fun!

Russian River celebrated it's 21's Annual Women's weekend last weekend, May 2nd through the 5th and LBO was there with hundreds of women primarily from the Bay Area!  Whether it was due to rain or just the slow economy, the turn out this year was lower than it has been in past years. 

Karen from the East Bay explained, "The streets used to be wall to wall women, now the streets are practically empty".

While it rained all day and literally all night on Friday, luckily it cleared up enough on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the pool parties.  All the event parties were hosted by the usual suspects, Fife's, Triple R and Club Fab and it seemed that Russian River seems to be taking suit in Dinah Shore as the events were more pricey than they had been in the past.  But the fact that part of the proceeds are donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation, makes it a little easier to spend the money. 

Like the Dinah Shore events, it is the crowds that make the events and the pool parties here at Russian River are a mini version of the Dinah Shore Pool Parties. Even though the attendance was low, you wouldn't be able to tell that from the parties... they seemed packed with women, meeting, drinking, dancing and having a great time.  The lines at the bars were short and fast, but the lines to the bathrooms were equally long and slow. But it was great fun.

One of the greatest events to attend was the Russian River Health Center's Women's Health Fair, where women were delighted with free massages, breast exams, information on free mammograms in the Bay Area, as well as, all sorts of fun hand outs.  And then of course there was the crafts fair, but chances are most women were busy mingling at the parties.  We highly suggest a short walk to the a nearby beach or perhaps the empowering Armstrong Woods which is nothing short of breath taking in its beauty.  Next year we will take extra time to stop and smell the roses, as this whole area has so much to offer.

One of the most interesting things we learned about the Women's Weekend events is that they are coordinated, hosted and MC'd exclusively by men and normally lesbian business in this small town is not whole heartedly wanted throughout the year. 

Did you attend this years Women's Weekend?  We want to hear what you thought?

Give us your input here at LBO's Community Boards  WHERE'S THE PARTY section 

What did you like about the events, what could be improved?

For more pictures check COLLAGE 1

                                      COLLAGE 2