Sat. May 17, 2003
Orlando, FL -
Gay Days began in 1990 as Gay Day in the Magic Kingdom, a single designated day when the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and supportive community is encouraged to "Wear Red and Be Seen" while visiting the world's most popular theme park.
So you need a life-size Dinosaur?
Well if you're filmmaker Steven Spielberg: You call Industrial Light & Magic.
But if you're party promoter Mark Baker: You call a Hollywood company that creates the giant balloons for major parades, including Macy's, held around the world.
"The extraordinary detail of the Dinosaurs they are creating is amazing," says the Gay Day Weekend event producer. "Especially at night, they REALLY come to life with lighting effects and tropical foliage."
Known for his bigger than life spectacles, this year there’s no bones about it –STARS is going to be a party of JURASSIC Proportions. This is a tall order even by Mark Baker’s standards. The smallest of his newest party attendees- the Triceratops stands 20' tall while the Brontosaurus towers 50' into the sky.
"Last year, one of the biggest challenges of STARS PARTY 2002 was just getting the stamp of approval just to do the event," Baker says of his Island’s of Adventure party. "This was the first time Universal had let anyone create a private ticketed event on their property."
After proving to the Universal suits that his parties are the hottest ticket in town, Universal said, "Do whatever it takes to make STARS PARTY Gay Days' most spectacular mega-event."
The idea: Transform the entire Universal Studios backlot with a dark steamy prehistoric jungle lit only by the fires of an erupting volcano. Then add towering Dinosaurs to create the "DINO-STARS Party".
"DINO-STARS will be the party spectacular that the Gay Day Weekend has NEVER seen", says Mark about the 2003 event "I’m excited to produce the party that I always wanted STARS to be!"
With gigantic, fully-dimensional Dinosaurs in their California warehouse getting ready for shipping, a 30' smoldering volcano under construction and 100,000 square feet of "Star Drape" to turn Sound Stage 21 into a sparkling celestial body - the 2003 edition of STARS PARTY is ready to erupt.
Also new for "DINO-STARS" is a 2-story video screen, a Jurassic-size performance stage, special FX equipment capable of creating 30’ high mushroom clouds of fire, two mammoth dance floors, DJ Manny Lehman (more on Manny Lehman) and a cast of 50 performers- this is the reason why people keep returning to Orlando for the Gay Days.
On Universal's end, they are doubling the amount of bars and adding one in an air-conditioned sound stage with seating. Chill, hydrate and relax while you marvel at many of the authentic Jurassic Park movie props.
Last summer 7000 smiling faces came to see the STARS come out and this year's STARS PARTY 2003 will sparkle and shine even brighter.
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