The holiday season has arrived! It’s like Christmas in July. Yes, barflies, San Diego Pride is here. For many, Pride is the ultimate gay San Diego weekend. Sure, we hit the town, go to parties, and check out the hot clubs and bars all year round, but Pride season is the absolute crème de la crème, numero uno, most fagtastic time to see and be seen. It’s this weekend, and your Barfly is ready to hit the town and get the party started!

But before you begin planning your Pride weekend party schedule, I have provided some tips to make this weekend the most fabulous. There are really just four rules of thumb: moderation, sunscreen, safety and sleep.

Hillcrest transforms into gay party headquarters once a year during Pride weekend. From the parade to the Balboa Park festival to house parties to bars and clubs, and more, there is a lot of partying going on. For many, that means making an appearance at all of the above. Pride weekend really only spans about three days, so physically it’s just impossible to do it all – even for the savviest barfly! So I encourage you to make a plan. Pick the best parties and decide what clubs you really want to spend your Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in. Don’t rely on your flakey, wishy-washy friend who’ll sit around all day saying: “I don’t know where we should go tonight. I heard about 14 different parties, and then I want to say hi to my friend that is go-go dancing at Rich’s, but I also want to go to Numbers to meet up with this boy I talked to online, but I have to stop by Club Montage for the Arctic Babylon Tour.” Tell him to shut up and make a decision. You want to have fun over the weekend, not spread yourself too thin. Just make a plan and realize now that you can’t be everywhere. And, most importantly, enjoy where you end up!

On that note, remember that most people want to make it to the parade and festival, which really are the main attractions of the weekend. Remember that the parade is at 11 a.m. sharp, so make sure you and your Friday-night trick hit the sack at a decent hour, and make sure he sets his alarm. You’ll need plenty of beauty rest before the parade. Over the years, so many of my friends have overslept and missed the parade or had killer hangovers. And a hangover during the parade is the absolute worst thing you can have – 150,000 screaming people, blaring music, honking horns and a blazing-hot sun – no fun!

While we’re talking about the parade, let’s make a plug for sunscreen – especially for the “tighty-whiteys” like me. San Diego in mid July is no place to be without sunscreen. Since most people will spend some time at the Pride parade, festival or both, it’s imperative that you protect your flawless skin during these daytime events. I can tell you from firsthand experience that sunburn will ruin your entire weekend. A few years ago, I spent the day at the parade and festival, forgot my sunscreen, and I was an absolute lobster. My perfect imitation tan was ruined, and I looked like a clown. I was also in a great deal of pain, so guess who missed out on an entire weekend of parties, club events and bar hopping with friends? Yep, me, the boy who forgot his sunscreen. So, lather up boys!

I know that everyone has stocked up on condoms, right? The bars, clubs and parties are going to be packed with cuties, and everyone is sure to find someone to their liking. While Pride is certainly more than just a big sex-fest, we all know that it happens. With all of the hotness around, who can resist? Please don’t do anything stupid, and be careful!

Speaking of safety, remember to watch out for each other during Pride weekend. Be sure to always go out in a group, do not leave a bar/club alone and be aware of your surroundings. If something does not look right, report it to the police. With so many people around and the high visibility of the weekend, there may be some people out who are up to no good. Check out the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s Web page at www.sdsisters.org for “The top 10 ways clever sluts ’n’ hos stay alive.” This handy postcard provides a great set of safety tips that you can use during Pride weekend and beyond. Stay safe and take care of each other.

And, of course, one more plug for sleep. Find time to get some … sleep, that is. Sure, you may meet a hottie over the weekend and give up sleep to “sleep” with him, but you want to make the most of this weekend. If it means crashing on a friend’s couch between parties or missing brunch on Sunday morning to catch up before the next round of parties begins, it’s important to rest your body. Certainly, some of you will not pay attention to my “moderation” tips and will probably be passed out or slumped over a toilet vomiting before the parade even ends, but for the rest of you – get some sleep! We all want to make it to Sunday night to enjoy the fabulous Pride-closing parties at the clubs. The daytime Pride festival is a great place to catch a few winks, as there are a lot of quiet, shaded nooks and crannies throughout the park to get away and rest. But I know it certainly is hard to sleep with so much going on!

I don’t want to see any “barfly burnouts” after Pride weekend! The fun continues after Pride, so don’t overdo it! Speaking of fun, this issue of Rocket is packed with information about Pride weekend! Be sure to read through it, and happy Pride!