This year's venue, The Oregon Theatre, presented some definite challenges for the Portland Masturbate-A-Thon's organizers, but also offered some interesting opportunities.
As Darklady put it, "Let's face it, the chance to casually say, 'Yeah, last year we hosted the Masturbate-a-Thon in a decommissioned church and this year we're doing it in a porno theatre,' was enticement beyond measure. Although the place is far from glamorous, there's a gritty sexual reality about it that made it irresistible."
Attendees could socialize, browse vendor tables, find "sex positive" literature, enjoy a potluck meal, or snack on sweets and sodas in the theatre's lobby. The first fifty guests received gift bags from Adam & Eve that included lube, condoms, a catalogue, a sticker, and a string of anal beads. Other guests received complimentary DVDs from Pleasure Productions and Bizarre Video. All guests received free passes to The Oregon Theatre and all guests who volunteered their email addresses received free memberships to Solonation.com, a community focused website that pays special attention to the art of self-love.
Inside the auditorium, other vendors displayed their wares, including Intimate Associates, who had set up an area for game play up front, right by the S&M play space. The S&M play space was more developed than it's ever been, with a bondage frame, Sex Swing and free standing frame, plus a bondage cross.
With classic porn such as Autobiography of a Flea, Behind the Green Door, Deep Throat, and Debbie Does Dallas, along with Vintage Erotica from the 1950s playing on the big screen, things quickly heated up. The ThrillHammer was placed in front of the auditorium, between the seats and the stage, and attendees played all kinds of party games next to it.
Some of The Oregon Theatre's regulars were either joining in or watching the fun. "This was a mind blowing experience for many of them, since the theatre doesn't normally pack in 220 people in various stages of undress who casually interact with one another whether or not they're in the middle of some sexual act," said Darklady.
There were also raffle and door prizes including penis shaped hard candy suckers, lots of toys, books, t-shirts, two huge baskets of goodies from XTC Leather of NY, Pyrex dildos from Crystal Climax, and much more. A DJ and live music from FULL BRAZIL helped entertain the audience, as if any more "entertainment" was needed at this sexual soiree.
"...through it all, people mingled and laughed, had conversations, made purchases, kissed, hugged, rubbed feet, spanked bottoms, stroked one another's genitals, stroked their own genitals, nibbled and sucked on one another's genitals, and made tentative plans to meet later for more of same. After midnight (and my intercourse restrictions were removed) I believe there may have even been some good ole fashioned fucking... And all for charity, mind you. All for charity," said Darklady, adding that "Yesterday Jonathyn and I drove out a load of food, clothing, pet supplies, and hygiene products to Friends of People with AIDS/Tod's Corner. I've still got a bag of goodies to take to WIAR (Women's Intercommunity AIDS Resource), and checks will go out once I get my corporate checks in the mail."
For more information on this and future events, please visit www.masturbate-a-thon.org.
