"Come pre-game your summer at Go Girl! Saugatuck—June 3-5 at The Dunes Resort in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan," said veteran LGBTQ comedian and Go Girl! Saugatuck founder Mimi Gonzalez.
Gonzalez told Windy City Times she is looking forward to seeing "hundreds of women party, play, laugh, dance and flirt at what is becoming the Midwest's Dinah" after a two-year COVID-19 pandemic-related hiatus.
Go Girl! Saugatuck came to fruition in 2016, when Gonzalez went to The Dunes Resort to book a comedy show. Gonzalez said, "[Owner] Mike Jones said yes, showed me the cabaret [and] then added, 'What we really need is a woman to book our women's weekend. Know anybody?' Believe me, I searched and asked and offered until I accepted the obvious gift from the universe: I am supposed to do it."
More than 300 women attended each of the four years (2016-19) the event was held. Gonzalez said most of the attendees come from Chicago and Detroit, and that gay and bisexual men are also welcome.
The Dunes Resort has been called the largest gay resort in the country. The area also boasts an art scene that is smaller and more affordable/accessible than Provincetown and Palm Springs. Neighboring Fennville has CampIt Resort—a collaboration between a gay man and a lesbian. According to Gonzalez, CampIt Resort has an "old school feeling of getting along with each other and being a family."
"My goal is to create an event that sees a thousand diverse and celebrating women come into Saugatuck/Douglas and make a huge impression on the towns with our presence," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said she is committed to hiring at least 80 percent Black, Indigenous and other women of color (BIWOC) DJs, performers, workshop facilitators, burlesque dancers and drag kings.
"Chicago's DJ All the Way Kay has been with us since the beginning and she returns for another Saturday night set that is sure to keep the dance floor jammed," said Gonzalez. "She will be piped to the outside bar area that is covered and protected from the weather but allows for a safe space and social distancing. DJ3-13 is the DJ for the Lip Sync battle and the Friday night dance floor. Lavish Jules, OshunHathor and Bi-gender Badass 'Quing' Fearless Amaretto surround Detroit Rapper D.S. Sense are performing for our big variety show Saturday."
Some of the other events participants can look forward to include pool parties, karaoke, workshops, women vendors, a Sunday brunch at Isabel's featuring spoken word followed by an open mic and a beach picnic.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Dunes has remodeled and updated the grounds, bar, showroom and expanded the outdoor area.
Gonzalez said that proof of vaccination is preferred but not required.
See gogirlsaugatuck.com/ for more information and to purchase tickets. A 10 percent ticket refund is available for weekend pass early bird purchases.
Visit dunesresort.com/, wyndhamhotels.com/americinn/minocqua-wisconsin/americinn-minocqua/overview or campitresort.com/ or for lodging options.
