A Regina Sayles Christmas, December 18
Please appreciate that we are totally biased here. We simply love Regina. We love Regina when she joins us for the Ladies 2000 MegaParties in the MouseTrap and we love Regina when she performs upstairs on the Big Stage in the Dance Club.

However, on this special occasion, we got to see a whole new side of Regina's considerable talent. Accompanied by jazz guitarist Spencer Reed (a gifted, talented and well-known recording artist), Regina treated us to a selection of seasonal favorites and an original Christmas song and it was - in an insufficient word - amazing.

Did Amanda mention that we love Regina when she rocks the house with covers and original music? That said, we were moved in a brand new way by this performance. Wow!

Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not pleased with the idea of our having our Customer Appreciation Party and Employee and Friends Talent Show on Saturday night. Think she felt the title was too long? Anyway, the snows came (and just kept coming). Up side, the skiing here is incredible this year. (Last year was a very good ski year, as well; not as much snow, but cold weather early on that allowed lots of snowmaking. We can't begrudged them the weather, since for a couple of years before that is was unseasonably mild - one year it was so warm the ski resorts had to close for a week in January]).

Despite not having our party, many folks remembered to bring a toy for our sleigh throughout the month of December. We most certainly appreciate their generosity, as do the folks at Monroe County (that's our county) Children and Youth Services.

Post Thanksgiving, November 27-29
The unquestionable highlight of the weekend was the premiere Rainbow Mountain performance by Wilkes-Barre Scranton drag sensation - Miss Estella Sweet. Loosely based on the Wizard of Oz, the show - packed with multitalented performers - utilized the entire Dance Club to tell the tale of Little Red Riding Snatch and her sojourn to the Evil Diva Ball. (Amanda believes she has the story correct, but a simple notepad was not sufficient to record all of the happenings.) Cleverly conceived (evidence one character's name - Chercrow [instead of scarecrow, are you with me here?] and painstakingly executed, it truly was a drag theatrical event.

As if that were not enough, Miss Estella helped fill the seats by organizing a bus trip from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton - so the club was chock full of new (and incredibly cute) faces. They all spent the night, enjoying the Mountain's amenities. We are delighted they were able to join us and look forward to their return.

Ladies 2000 Weekend, November 20-22
Of course, the weekend peaks with the over-the-top Ladies 2000 MegaParty on Saturday - we all know this; but, first Amanda simply must mention The Newlywed Gayme on Saturday afternoon. Amanda never ceases to be amazed at the depth of personal information contestants are willing to share in pursuit of points. All brand-new questions by Manager Jayson seemed to unlock the vault of questionable taste as "the ladies" gladly shared intimate details of the ups and downs (and ins and outs) of their relationships. It would be unlady-like to actually print the details; but, when he asked "the last time my lady decided to try something new in the bedroom, it was wonderful except for (fill in the blank)" - the line of good taste and polite conversation was irreversibly crossed. Amanda can only wonder how Manager Jayson will top this one.

Then, on to the MegaParty, as women traveled far and wide for the best night-out deal in the area - a one-hour Power Bar ($1, you-call-it) and a complimentary diner buffet, nine hours of dance music, karaoke and a live performance by Regina Sayles. We do it all again in April. Be here!

Fall TG/CD Classic, October 23-25
The festivities on this one really started on Thursday, as almost half of our sold-out crowd joined us a day early. Of course, Amy entertained at Karaoke on Thursday evening in the MouseTrap Lounge. Friday morning, we opened the kitchen just for them for an on-the-house breakfast (as you know, we normally don't serve breakfast on weekdays after Labor Day; but, for these ladies... anything!). Besides, they need the energy for their outing to nearby Mount Airy Casino.

Friday evening, after our Welcome Wine & Cheese Reception and Dinner (we rolled our the new fall menu just for the occasion), we all headed down to the Dance Club for an extraspecial screening of the award-winning documentary Unraveling Michelle. Michelle Farrell is the director (and subject) of the film and she was on hand to conduct a Q&A session after the screening. It was a very emotional and powerful film. Michael has kindly allowed us to add a copy to our Lobby DVD library. Click on the movie poster or on Michelle's photo and visit her website. Go ahead, buy the t-shirt!

Saturday, our Clothing Swap was very well received; but, you girls need to learn how to take, as well as give. Some girls went bowling, some went shopping, some were the "ladies who lunch". Saturday night, the restaurant was brimming and the Nightclub hopping. The photos, which we are delighted to share, simply do not do it justice. A special shout out to our friends from the Allentown Transgender Community, who joined us for the evening.

Fall Bears & Big Guys, October 16-18
Why are these guys so damn nice? That's the usual sentiment after the weekend is over. It's three-days/two-nights of non-stop bonding - and not just in that physical way Amanda suspects your mind immediately visualized (though there was no shortage of that).

Sexy, cute, cuddly, bear-cub Dana was back to insure everyone's good time. He joined us at the Congregate Dining Table both evenings, partied with us in the Nightclub, and - of course - carried out his dancing/stripping/hosting duties Saturday night and well into Sunday morning. One truly can't keep a good man down! (Does this boy not have a refractory period?)

New photos of Dana will follow; assuming Jim ever gets them to us.

We were delighted to welcome back Butch from Butch's Bare Parties, who offered complimentary massages on Saturday (well, the trek up to the Hospitality Suite was taxing). And, once again, the Lehigh Valley's premiere DJ, David Petrilla, kept the crowd dancing.

Unfortunately, the weather on Saturday did not cooperate with nearby Shawnee Mountain's annual Hot Air Balloon and Lumberjack Festival. So, we leave you with our favorite lumberjack carving.

Just a Fun Weekend, October 9-11
Just a series of fortunate events brought this weekend together. Friday, we moved Karaoke upstairs to the Big Stage (and the Big Sound System) in the Dance Club, which we set with table-and-chair seating. Karaoke aficionados from all around came for a chance to sing on a real stage and (as we all know) where karaoke aficionados go, karaoke groupies follow. On top of it all, we awarded prizes for best rendition of a Michael Jackson song and best moon walk. Don't think we can Beat It! it was a Thriller!

Saturday, we happened into a delightful evening. We were joined by the young men from HomeforLostBoys.com.

Here's an adapted blurb from their website:
Home for Lost Boys welcomes anyone who is looking for something more than the typical, boring guy! We want to bring together boys who aren't your cookie-cutter mainstream types and carve a place for them on the internet. We aim to bring you erotic, artistic, and playful photo sets of beautiful, alternative and unique boys. We also strive to be an outlet for our models' self-expression. We want them to be seen as real people with real personalities. We offer other content related to our models as well, and hope to foster a community where everyone has a space to feel safe and accepted.

What an incredibly pleasant group of incredibly androgynous young men. They socialized in the Nightclub and manned (boyed?) a table displaying their website and some wonderful and imaginative photography. The boys took the stage to model (what else) their outfits and dance; then back tot he grind of socializing and selling. As the evening progressed, it seemed each young man further evolved into another persona. Amanda is not one to gush, but it really was remarkable. These boys will most definitely be back; but, meanwhile, click on their logo and visit their website.

Whitewater Rafting Weekend, October 2-4
Afraid this one did not go. We're not certain why. It went each of the past two years, but this date was a little later than those (perhaps the thought of being wet in October was less attractive; though the weekend turned out to be quite mild). Perhaps, the economy? (Though the trip was included with the usual theme weekend rate in the Cherry House, Cabins and Deluxe.) If you have any insight, let us know.

We've always held these on dam-release days, when 850 cubic feet of water per minute are released from the reservoir upstream from where we raft, assuring the 3+ rapids we have enjoyed. As a point of interest, because our spring and summer were so wet, the scheduled dam releases did not adequately empty the reservoir (so it would be ready for winter) and on Monday, October 5, there was a MEGA-dam release of 4000 cubic feet of water per minute. They scheduled it on a weekday, in hopes that fewer amateur tourists would be on the water. In fact, all of the outfitters had all of their staff on the water and used it as a training day. Just an FYI - had nothing to do with us.

We'll try again next year.

Just Summer III: Kelli Dunham, August 28-30
Okay, so Amanda has been a tad remiss. You know, being Rainbow Mountain's only accurate recorder of all things past, present and future takes a lot of dong - what with all the dizziness Amanda sees around here. And so it was when a last-minute family emergency called scheduled comic Sherry Davey overseas. Fortunately, NYC lesbian funny girl Kelli Dunham was able to fill the bill (on her way to teaching a stand-up class to incarcerated juvi's in Philly - Amanda kids you not!). As you can see, Kelli wears more than her fair share of hats (and habits) and we are delighted she was able to join us. (If you want an explanation of that last photo, you'll have to catch her act the next time she's here or the next time you're in NYC.) Click on her photos to go to her website.

We mentioned Kelli's many hats/habits, one of which is journalist; and, we are delighted to link to a delightful piece she wrote about us on Philadelphia's Examiner.com.

Just Summer II: Regina's Balloons , August 14-16
Let Amanda first pay respect to Ms. Nature. This was the nicest weekend of the summer, so far. We were able to hold poolside BBQs on both Saturday and Sunday - a first for the season!

That said, the weekend really got started with a live concert by Regina Sayles. Sure, she sang lots of our favorites and lots of her fans were here to hear those favorites; but, she also treated us to two new songs, "Walk on Water" and "I'm Better With Your Love". We can only hope new songs, means a new CD is on the way. We'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, click on her picture and visit her MySpace and catch a song or a video.

Saturday, the prize-filled balloons fell from the heavens, followed by Heaven Leigh (in Jayson drab)'s Game Show. Question: Exactly, why does Heaven even own a pink cowboy (girl) hat?

Sunday was another incredibly lovely and crowded day at the Pool.

Thank you, Ms. Nature.

Classics Weekend , July 24-26
Amanda, being the objective reporter she is, should not be surprised when what she promises comes to pass. Nonetheless, even with several previous appearances on the Mountain, Miss Kierra Darshell - Pittsburgh's premiere female illusionist - proved stunning and resplendent. She is truly in a class by herself. Click any photo to be transported to Miss Darshell's website, and if you ever find yourself in Pittsburgh...

Joining our headliner was the one and (thankfully) only camel-toe girl herself, Dinah Klub. Classy, you ask? Maybe not so much. Sassy? Oh, yes. Trashy? Now your getting warm. Click on Dinah's photo go to to her webpage. We warned, ya. Saturday, house cutie (by which, of course, we mean DJ) JoeyZ brought us back through the decades with a Retro Dance Party.

Saturday afternoon, the weather could not have been more perfect for the Wedding of Florence and Rush, which we were delighted and proud to host. Love - now and forever.

Amanda, in addition to being an objective reporter, is also an investigative reporter. As a result of her tireless efforts, she has uncovered sizzling photos that she is all too happy to share. But prior to revealing her find, Amanda must issue a stern warning: These photos are not for the faint of heart. They may only be viewed by consenting adults with very strong stomachs; in fact, Amanda urges you fast for at least 8 hours prior to receiving this communication (Amanda was going to work in the word "communion", but the lightening that just missed her keyboard convinced her otherwise). Please note, there is no "warning" page. A click on Dinah's headshot will transport you directly to the private, exclusive photo gallery. Click at your own risk! Now, go and gouge your eyes out.

Bears & Big Guys by the Pool, July 17-19
Momma Bear Nature must have approved of our first-ever summertime Bears & Big Guys gathering, because the weather was almost perfect (only the torrential rains on Friday evening were a bother; but that started after the day at the pool was done and before the concert started in the nightclub).

James and Toshio (click on names to go to websites, from which you can go to MySpaces, blogs, MusicSpaces, etc.) were on their game for the concert on Friday evening. Tantalizing tats were on display on Saturday evening, along with hundreds of furry men. We searched high and low to find just the right photo to show you what was on display after hours. The tasteful (by which, of course, Amanda means tasty) result is on the right.

Our new, best friends (the folks from Pride Studios) provided free trial passes to their adult websites everyone in attendance, as well as free porn - which we raffled off, for free!

Christmas in July , July 10-12
Wasn't it considerate of Mother Nature to turn off the rain momentarily and give us snow for our Christmas in July celebration? Actually, MN was fairly kind this weekend and the heavens parted for only several hours of deluge on Saturday evening - late enough not to ruin the pool, early enough not to ruin the after hour hot tub traffic. Not to fear, our ark is almost half done.

Amanda appreciates your initial reaction to our Krunchy, Kitschy, Kristmas Koncert may have been reserved, but the crowd came out and acoustic duo Jeff and Karen were sensational! They blended some 60s and 70s standards with some original material with some Christmas ditties - to the delight, dancing and sing-a-long participation of all. Their voices were soaring, their harmonies were tight and their act was right on target. They're right next door in New Jersey, so if you missed them here (or would like to see more), click on their photo and check out their upcoming performance schedule.

Saturday's Sexy Santa and Excited Elf certainly put the "X" in Xmas. Our good friends from Jagermeister were kind enough to supply dozens of freebies, which Santa distributed to all the good little girls and boys.

Fourth of July , July 2-5
Not perfect weather, but sooo much better than what we've had, that we really can't complain. (Of course, Amanda can always complain, she just choosing to refrain - for now). We laid back (some of us laid on our backs) to welcome in the long weekend with an evening at the Pool Bar. Usually only a weekday happening, we fired up the tiki torches and mellowed out the XM.

Poolside during the day, we took advantage of the pleasant rays and baked away our seasonal affective disorders.

Friday night, we were treated to a sensational show. We know Peppermint is a very popular performer in New York City. We know she has a weekly gig at various clubs every night of the week. We know she hosts, she sings, she dances, and that she has a hit single - "Servin' It Up". Nonetheless, we were still amazed at what we witnessed. The lighting, the effects, the energy, the talent, the wit; and then (as if lighting, effects, energy, talent and wit were not enough) she unleashes no less than 4 - count 'em 4 - spectacular (and by spectacular, Amanda means not only incredibly talented, but all those other adjectives that describe the men of Amanda's moist dreams) dancers.

And when Miss Peppermint left the stage to correct a minor wardrobe malfunction and she had those boys "strike a pose" - well, let's just say Amanda became a tad ver clempt. Long live Miss P and her boys!

Not to be outdone, the local talent put on quite a dance show on Saturday night in our Shadow Dance Contest. Since we were only seeing shadows and not real flesh, all those pesky PLCB good-taste restrictions did not apply. Suffice it to say many of our contestants pulled out their big guns in their quests for the $100 cash prize.

Heaven Leigh's Annual Birthday Tribute, June 26-28
Once again, the one-and-only Miss Heaven Leigh herself assembled a bevy of the area's most talented drag performers to pay homage to her divineness. But first, let us all pause and acknowledge the event poster (left), conceived and designed by the one-and-only Miss Heaven Leigh herself.

Moment of silence to pay our respect.

Saturday evening, brought the taping of a pre-pilot - "Real Sexy" - to be submitted to HBO. Pole dancing was the subject matter and the participants were amazing. While Amanda finds it quite challenging to shimmy up the pole in heels (while shimmying), these girls mounted that pole like a familiar lover. We'll keep you posted on the progress of the film project.

And the divas (and divos) were...

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Hot Men's Weekend with Chad Hunt, June 19-21
Once again, we were going for the time of year - until the Friday after hour activity and Chad's Saturday night performances. Let's just say the weekend was hot for a great number of reasons. And, of course, what happens at Rainbow Mountain stays at Rainbow Mountain (and becomes part of this review - joking!). Once again, the "You've Got Male" set-up was a success (see below). And our hearts are engorged with appreciation for Chad's appearance. Chad was no small part of the weekend's success. Having knelt at the altar of Chad, Amanda can now testify (hallelujah) that the measurements are, in fact, accurate (Amanda was only there for clinical, documentation and verification purposes, you jealous sluts).
Honest-to-goodness leftover "You've Got Male" comments:
Woof!!
You're Sexxi
Hmm, Very Nice (haven't eaten lately)
I love your "legs"
Let's get together for some hot man-to-man fun
I think you're hot, I want to...
Hot whore, slut, bitch
Call me, I'm military discreet
And a whole flurry of phone numbers and email addresses that Amanda will simply have to verify before publishing.
As always, Amanda writes with tongue planted firmly in cheek (at least that's what she tells people that bulge is).

PA Diversity Network Drag Fundraiser, Sunday, April 19
The photo doesn't even start to tell the story. Take this link and see over 170 additional photos of this incredible event. Over $950 was raised for this most worthy organization and we thank all the folks who donated their time and energy. Photo courtesy of MIchael Prestia, Brooklyn NY; you can contact Michael here.