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Five years ago, Eric von Kuersteiner had a vision to create a fun daytime party for the new generation of Fire Island. Since 2006, Ascension Beach Party has grown from a single event on the shores of the Pines into the island’s most anticipated and busiest weekend, with three days of stellar events, thousands of cute guys and unsurpassed entertainment—all raising money for von Kuersteiner’s charity, Fund in the Sun Foundation. This year, from August 13 through 15, the Pines will be ringing in Ascension’s fifth anniversary with new parties.
“It’s a big year for Ascension”, says von Kuersteiner, “so each event will feature over the top production. We’re also adding a new event to the weekend, the Ascension Tea Dance.”
 Since its inception, Ascension Weekend has always been a magnet for major musical talent. From its inaugural debut with DJ Brett Henrichsen to last year’s tribal sounds of DJ Tony Moran with special guest performer Kelly Rowland belting out her summertime smash “When Love Takes Over,” Ascension has delivered hot beats and hot beach bods. This year’s event is no exception. The Freemasons, one of the U.K.’s most successful producer-remixer teams, are headlining the weekend’s main event: the Sunday afternoon Ascension Beach Party.
“The Freemasons blew us away at Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party in Palm Springs,” explains Von Kuersteiner. “It was clear after only a few minutes that they would be perfect for Ascension. Their high-energy vocal remixes have a fun and fresh sound that we haven’t heard on the Fire Island beach before, and their sound is guaranteed to lift everyone’s spirit and pack the dance floor.”
In addition to the Freemasons, von Kuersteiner has a few more surprises up his sleeve. Showtime Network is presenting Friday night’s VIP Launch Party in celebration of its series: Dexter, Season 4. The party will include a special performance by Luann De Lesseps, ‘The Countess,’ of “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
The wet and wild Float Pool Party soaks up Saturday, followed by the premiere of the Ascension Tea Dance: free for all Ascension ticket holders. “We’re bringing out two of Fire Island’s favorite DJs, Twisted Dee and Phil B, to go head-to-head at the turntables,” continues Von Kuersteiner. “We’re building a tremendous dance floor on the Great South Bay which will also be the stage for a fabulous fireworks display.”
All of this leads to Sunday’s main event to which von Kuersteiner hints more special performances are in the works.
Set in the all-gay oasis of Fire Island, Ascension is the perfect summer vacation. Thousands of men from around the country and the world rent homes or shares for the week. Thousands more take advantage of the easy daytrip from the NYC metro area.
“We offer incredible music, hot boys in sexy swimwear and the stunning backdrop of sunshine over the Atlantic Ocean.” Von Kuersteiner concludes, “It’s a recipe for magical memories.”
Here’s to another five years!
Ascension Weekend takes place Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15, 2010 on Fire Island. Beach party tickets are $75 in advance and include admission to Float Pool Party and Ascension Tea Dance. VIP tickets are $125 in advance and include admission to Float Pool Party, Ascension Tea Dance, VIP Launch Party, Closing Party and open bar at Ascension Beach Party. Visit AscensionParty.com for more information.
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