Solid Gold at the Start of the Rainbow

block par�ty - noun - A crowded party in which many members of a single community congregate, either to observe an event of some importance, or simply for mutual enjoyment.

Sounds like fun, now doesn't it... and a fabulous way to connect with fellow Pride attendees? Well, for 2015, the traditional start of Pride weekend, which always takes place on Hillcrest's Normal Street is undergoing a transformation. It's about to get a whole lot more interesting - and a whole lot more fun.

Fabulous Hillcrest, along with San Diego Pride, is making changes and ramping up the entertainment value at the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party on Friday, July 17, which, in years past, has followed the Stonewall Rally. As Megan Gamwell, of Fabulous Hillcrest offered, "This year we decided to really make the classic elements of Pride Block Party pop and add some additional attractions to help everyone celebrate Pride in style. With the Stonewall Rally moving back to Balboa Park we decided to re-conceptualize the flag raising ceremony at Hillcrest's Pride Flag monument. We invite the entire community to come raise the flag together as one, alongside our headliner DJ JES, as the power of Pride blazes before you with a breathtaking laser show extravaganza!"

It's a laser show, which is being presented by Lasertainment Productions Inc., the same people who put together the mind-blowing display at the famed Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas.

As Gamwell mentioned, JES, the singer, songwriter, DJ and producer, will be there spinning and singing the night away. This is what JES had to say about coming to San Diego Pride: "I actually love San Diego and I would love to live there if I didn't need to be in L.A. so much of the time. It has a fresh beach vibe for me and I always have the best time. The air is cleaner and it's such a pretty part of the world, so I always look forward to spending time there. I've had some great shows in San Diego, so I'm very excited to be coming back for this year's Pride."

Gamwell opined about why the changes are being made to the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party: "This event is for the community and we want to keep them excited and coming back year after year!" She went on to talk about some of the other highlights, "This year, we are also introducing a Hosted Hour from 6 to 7 p.m. with complimentary craft cocktails for the first 300 guests."

She explained further about some of the options being offered for ticket purchasers: "Guests can also choose between the classic VIP experience or upgrade to Bottle Service where you will receive five VIP wristbands and private table with a bottle of Vodka and mixers!"

The Rage Monthly is getting involved as well, and in conjunction with organizers is offering a chance to win an exclusive VIP experience for two. Gamwell explained what it entails: "Our all-new Backstage Experience is the ultimate pass to Pride Weekend... it's a contest from now until Tuesday, July 14, in which one lucky winner and a friend will receive the following: Bottle service at the Pride Block Party, two tickets to Splash 2015 at the Lafayette Hotel, a Meet and Greet with our Pride Block Party DJs, another bottle service package to Rich's Nightclub, Pride Block Party band tees and two weekend passes to the Pride Music Festival, along with gift certificates to local Hillcrest businesses!"

What more could you ask for? I think that might be game, set and match for your pride weekend fun! Gamwell wanted to remind us all that it's not just about having fun: "50 percent of the proceeds will go to San Diego Pride and be used for a variety of charitable causes, including maintenance of the Hillcrest Pride Flag." So, get yourself ready, come get your party on and show your PRIDE!

For your chance to win the Backstage Experience (participants must sign up by Tuesday, July 14), or for tickets and more information on the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party and the new Bottle Service and VIP Cabana Packages, go to fabuloushillcrest.com or to ragemonthly.com