Fire Island Pines, New York

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Fire Island Pines is a hamlet in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York. It is located on Fire Island, a barrier island on the southern side of Long Island. As of the 2000 census, Fire Island (which includes many communities besides the Pines) had a total population of 310.

Fire Island Pines, along with neighboring Cherry Grove, comprise the gay community on Fire Island.

While all of Fire Island may have an official year-round population of 310, the summer population swells to much higher levels especially on weekends. In the Pines, the large houses are filled with summer shares and a 4 bedroom house can easily contain 8 people at a time. The population is primarily gay men from 20-50 years old. It is affectionately referred to as "Chelsea with sand." (Chelsea is one of Manhattan's "gay" neighborhoods.)

Two of the Pines's most famous events are the Pines Party, an all-night dance party held each August on the beach, and the Invasion of the Pines, a drag-queen parade held each year on July 4th.

[edit] People associated with Fire Island Pines

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