A large crowd of people with colorful umbrellas participate in a street parade at night, featuring a decorative bus with a "DANCE" sign.

Getting over the mess

By Forest Riggs

Finally the holidays are over! The turkeys that were stuffed have been eaten, the beautiful packages that were meticulously wrapped have been shredded and opened, and the decorated trees, garlands and hanging balls have come down. The few days that follow Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a real “come down†after all the build-up and anticipation that began brewing in late summer. 

It is much like romantic desires and interest in a new love: the excitement, the possibilities, all the jitters that come with the chase. After “it†happens, if things progress that far, one can be left feeling a bit empty or wondering if the event lived up to the anticipation. Was it worth it? And if so, why does it feel so anticlimactic after? That’s just human nature, more or less.

If you chose to decorate, now you must get inspired to take down all the holiday things, box them and pack away until the holiday bug bites next September or so. This is how it works, year after year, another cycle in the myriad of events that make-up our year.

Galveston certain celebrated this year. The Island was gayly decorated this year and once again Dickens lovers crowded into the Strand area for a step back in time. There were musical concerts, caroling, numerous charitable acts of giving, bells ringing on corners, a few marathons and lots of good times on the rock. The Island was saw a huge rise in visitors and events this year. All in all, it was an exciting time, but now that it has passed, it really makes for a few anticlimactic days — the Winter Doldrums, if you will.

What is next? you might be wondering as we move through January and into February. Mardi Gras! That’s right, it is just around the corner and, on the Island, is probably more anticipated than Christmas and New Year’s. February 22 through March 5, will be yet another huge celebration on the Island (details in future column). For now, Islanders are preparing for the annual event: floats are being adorned, balls planned, beads purchased and even a few Mardi Gras are trees going up the residences. Another good time it to be had by all.

The “bars†or clubs, now down to three specific ones for LGBTQ (and strays) were very busy as Christmas passed and New Year’s was celebrated. For the drinkers, January 1 was one big hangover and an island full of people “moving slow.†A pub crawl from and viewing at Robert’s Lafitte, Rumors and 23rd Street Station Piano Bar, revealed huge crowds of people having fun. Pianist Clay Howell charmed the hell out of standing room only crowd at 23rd Street Station as friends, neighbors and visitors reveled in the celebration. Though it was all fun, most were glad that it comes but once a year.

Todd Slaughter, owner of Rumors Beach Bar, did in fact get Rumors II opened in Beaumont. Finally there is a great link to the LGBTQ family in the Golden Triangle. Due to unforeseen construction issues and setbacks, the opening took a bit longer than planned, but well worth the wait. From all indications the Rumors II is the hotspot in Beaumont. Look for pics and an article in coming weeks. If you are Beaumont area or passing through, stop in at Rumors Beaumont (650 Orleans Street) and check it out.

There is much coming and some exciting stories to tell in 2019. Just remember that when you cross the Causeway, you enter the fun and exciting island of Galveston, that island near Texas. 2019 is off to a good start and promises to be a great new year.

Forest Riggs, a resident of Galveston is no stranger to the adventures of life. A former educator and business owner, he enjoys Island life and all that comes with it. He says he is a “raconteur with a quixotic, gypsy spirit.†Forest has written for several newspapers and magazines as well as other writing pursuits, including a novel and collection of short stories.

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