Prime Timers to converge at Hotel Habana
Group hosts annual Labor Day Get-Away
By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
Every year, nearly 200 Prime Timers from around the US and Canada converge on Hotel Habana, Southwest's premier gay resort in Oklahoma City, for a weekend of fun in the sun. Some fly in from as far away as Australia.
The Prime Timers Labor Day Gathering is an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones.
“This year we were notified by the new manager of Hotel Habana, Krista Makenna, that Saturday night we would have a poolside drag show by the east pool [near Gushers],” said Jim Houk. “This will be a first at a Prime Timers Labor Day event.”
The Drag Show will begin between 9:15 and 9:45 on Saturday, August 31. On Friday night, the dinner will be catered by Earl’s Barbeque. They’ve also added Sunday and Monday morning brunches from 10 – 12 at Gushers.
Scheduled events include a Happy Hour every day, Thursday through Sunday; a Welcome Party on Thursday; dinners with entertainment on Saturday; poolside continental breakfast five days, Thursday through Monday; a poolside box lunch on Friday and Saturday, Friday BBQ dinner and a brunch on Sunday and Monday.
If you want to venture out, Oklahoma City offers lots of things to do. There are museums, entertainment and dining districts and the Oklahoma City National Memorial. If antiques are your thing, there are hundreds of stores available for your shopping pleasure.
The host hotel, Hotel Habana, is at the heart of the gay entertainment district and features two swimming pools, three bars, a restaurant and an adult gift shop, plus shows on Thursday and Sunday nights in addition to free wireless internet.
“We are thrilled to continue the tradition of hosting the Prime Timers Labor Day Weekend event at Hotel Habana,” said Tom Lagatta, owner of Hotel Habana.
Hotel Habana is located in the 39th Street District, which features even more bars.
Prime Timers weekend organizers will have local tours to announce, a bridge tournament and other events to be announced during the weekend.
The five-day weekend begins Wednesday afternoon, August 28, with early registration from 1 – 5 p.m., and continues through noon Monday, September 2.
Houk has attended the Prime Timers Labor Day event since 2009. “The weekends are so great. It’s all about getting to see old friends again, like a family reunion or homecoming. We meet these guys, we keep in touch by phone, and it’s great to then to see them again.”
The event is gaining in popularity. “Out of the 150 rooms blocked for this event, there are only a few rooms left,” said Prime Timer Steven Dubois. “I just had someone contact me for an application and he had me email it to the UK!”
Hotel accommodations are not included in the registration fee for the event, but there are still rooms available for the weekend at Hotel Habana. Just call (405) 528-2221 or (877) 303-2221 and tell them you are with the Prime Timers. You don’t have to be a Prime Timer to attend, but you must be a gay or bisexual man over the age of 21.
For all information about the Prime Timers Labor Day Get-Away, visit www.primetimersww.net/centralokpt and search “Labor Day Get-Away 2019.”
Copyright The Gayly. 8/7/2019 @ 5:45 p.m. CST.