About this time last year, I escaped
from the chilly streets of Milwaukee to the (even
chillier) streets of Seattle. That's where a
dedicated team of Milwaukee boys and girls were making
a bid to NAGAAA (North American Gay Amateur Athletic
Alliance) to bring the LGBT Softball World Series
to Milwaukee.
Lucky
for everyone, the group's hard work paid off,
and the softball Delegates voted Milwaukee as the
city of choice for the big event! If you haven't
heard, that means that hundreds upon hundreds of softball
players from across the country and Canada will descend
upon Brew Town THIS summer for a wild week of fun,
partying and, of course, softball.
In addition to throwing the games,
the city will also play host to about 100 delegates
from across the country in late January. To find out
more about the meetings being held in January, the
hotties flying into Milwaukee and what all the plans
are, I asked to meet with a few members of the World
Series planning committee: Brian Reinkober, Mona Garcia
and Jeff Weigland. So move over, Katie Couric, this
bitch is about to go journalistic on your ass!
DEAR RUTHIE: Can you tell me who is coming
to Milwaukee in January and why?
MONA GARCIA: Because Milwaukee is hosting the Softball
World Series this summer, we get to hold the winter
meetings, too!
BRIAN REINKOBER: It's going to be great! There will
be people coming from all over...some from as far
away as Ft Lauderdale and British Columbia.
JEFF WEIGLAND: They're coming to Milwaukee
for meetings and workshops. This also gives them a
chance to familiarize themselves with the city, creating
excitement for the World Series.
Dear Ruthie: Sounds great for anyone looking
to meet friendly, new people. When will they get here?
Brian: Most will be here January 23rd thru January
25th. What is really cool is that people who have
never been here before will experience what many of
us take for granted…our cool city!
Dear Ruthie: Do people still say "cool?"
Brian: I do…and I'm cool! Gosh, you're
pretty Ruthie.
Dear Ruthie: Thanks Sugar-Puss. What sort
of plans do you have for the Delegates? How about
a trip to my trailer park?
Mona: We'll see if we can squeeze it in; however,
we're going to roll out the red carpet for the
Delegates in hopes that they'll see that the
hometown hospitality extended to them when we made
our bid is truly what this city is about.
Jeff: We want the Delegates to experience the fun
Milwaukee offers. The weekend kicks off with a Happy
Hour at the Hyatt and then a Wisconsin-style fish
fry at the Double Tree Hotel. Our goal is to create
a positive experience for everyone, fueling excitement
for the World Series.
Brian: And with the local gay bars and businesses
being so close to the host hotel (The Hilton), our
guests will have no trouble discovering what Milwaukee
nightlife is all about. I'm sorry, Ruthie, but
I just can't stop looking into your lovely eyes.
Dear Ruthie: You're sweet. But what
you're telling me is than many of the Delegates
will be out and about that weekend, huh?
Brian: I sure hope so! This group is a lot of fun!
Keep an eye out for the delegates, and when you see
them, please welcome them. Thank them for voting for
Milwaukee!
Dear Ruthie: You can be sure I'll welcome
them in my own special way. Tell me, since winning
the bid for the World Series, have you heard any feedback
on how the players feel about coming to Milwaukee
this summer?
Brian: During a recent tournament, I overheard an
Arizona player talking with a player from Florida.
When one asked the other why the World Series was
being held in Milwaukee, the Arizona man explained
how incredible our Dairyland Classics were and that
the softball players were "in for the time of
their lives!" That story echoes what so many
people think about our city.
Dear Ruthie: You're a fun group to be
with. How can others get involved in planning and
hosting the Softball World Series?
Brian: It's easy! Just check out our Website
at www.series2009.org or www.nagaaafest.com. Both
of these sites offer the latest information on NAGAAAFEST,
getting involved and sponsorship/donation opportunities.
By the way, Ruthie, you're so sexy. Are you
seeing anyone?
Dear Ruthie: Thanks Swizzle Stick, but I'm
saving myself for the softball players. Thanks for
meeting with me, and I'll see you all at the
Fish Fry! And I'll see you, dear readers, out
and about and mingling with our visitors January 23
through the 25!
