October 6, 2018
STEP OUT AND SPARKLE WITH THE GEMS
The West Coast’s most glamorous transgender event is back...with attitude!
The River City Gems welcome the whole transgender community, including family, friends, and allies, to put on your finest attire and party the night away at the 11th annual River City Sparkle. Whether you are a first-timer or a Sparkle veteran, you won't want to miss this year's gala event.
HATS & HEELS
Fashionable from head to toe
The theme of River City Sparkle 2018 is “Steppin' Out," and it's your opportunity to get out, be seen, and celebrate the joy of being yourself.
Our Sparkle ballroom will be decorated in this year's signature colors of pink and red, with this year's signature style elements, hats and heels.
From fedoras to fascinators...from platforms to peep-toes...it's time to pay tribute to these two iconic fashion accessories.
Cocktail Hour
Mix, mingle, sip a cocktail or two, and take some selfies with your friends in our special photo-op area. This year's photo props are tops!
Dinner & Show
Sit down to a sumptuous 3-course dinner, then enjoy world-class stand-up featuring San Francisco comedian Milt Abel.
Dance Party
Kick up your heels ’til midnight as DJ Amber keeps the party going with a mix of the latest hits and classic dance tunes.
Menu
Salad
California Mixed Greens with Poached Pears, Candied Pecans,
and Gorgonzola Crumbles, Served with Balsamic Vinaigrette
and Fresh Herb Vinaigrette
CHOICE OF
Grilled Marinated Sliced Tri-Tip
With a Green Peppercorn Sauce
Grilled King Salmon
Finished with a Roasted Roma Tomato-Basil Relish
Portabella Ravioli
Ravioli Stuffed with Portabella Mushrooms in Marinara Sauce
Strawberry Chiffon Cake
White Cake with Strawberry Filling and Whipped Cream Frosting
Crowne Plaza Hotel
We're rolling out the red carpet for you at our Sparkle venue.
ADDRESS: 5321 Date Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95841
BALLROOM: Please see our hotel map for the location of the ballroom and entrances.
HOTEL INFO: Visit the Crowne Plaza website for additional details.
BOOKING A ROOM: You can book a room by visiting the Crowne Plaza website or calling (877) 227-6963. There is no special rate code for this event.
Crowne Plaza Floor Plan
Milt Abel
"I love stand-up. What other job do you get to make fun of people and sleep 'til noon?"
A headlining stand-up comedian for over twenty years, Milt has opened for and appeared with Ellen Degeneres, Whoopi Goldberg, Dana Carvey and Robin Williams. He has performed throughout the United States and Canada in venues ranging from corporate events to cruise ships, television appearances and comedy clubs.
Milt’s style has been described as clean, clever, and funny. We are excited to welcome him as our entertainer for Sparkle 2018.
Pre-Sparkle Dinner
Kick up your heels on Friday Night
Get a jump on your Sparkle weekend! Join us Friday night, October 5, for a pre-Sparkle tradition.
Gems members Cindy and Pauline will be hosting a group for a casual dinner and drinks at a local restaurant. This event is open to all, including those not attending Sparkle. There are no fees to attend, so you can spend as much or as little as you please.
A number of other pre-Sparkle gatherings will be happening from Wednesday through Saturday. For more details about these unofficial member-led outings, use the form below to get in touch with the organizers.
This form is currently closed for submissions.
Love Notes
“I was apprehensive at first, but all that soon faded away. Everyone I met was nothing short of amazingly cordial, friendly, and supportive. As a new girl that was huge to me, and I will never forget it.”
“How joyous it was to see so many, and such a variety of people and ages, styles, fashions, and more, all united under the shared banners of openness, freedom, and love. All events through the Gems are rewarding, but this one topped them all !"
“A very fun evening! The food was really good and the entertainment was tops! It was fun for me to meet so many new people. I really enjoyed meeting some girls that I have only known online.”
Tickets
The ticket purchase deadline has passed.
The ticket purchase deadline has passed.
There will be no tickets available at the door. If you were unable to purchase a ticket prior to the deadline, we are sorry, but we cannot accommodate any walk-in guests. We hope to see you at a future Sparkle.
Questions & Answers
Makeup Services
Julia Richardson - Julia has done makeup for television personalities, commercial photo shoots, weddings and many male-to-female clients. She offers makeup services at her private studio. Call Julia at 916-925-7434, or email her at julia@californiamakeup.com.
April Horlick - April has done makeup for past Sparkles and would love to help you look your best for Sparkle 2018. She’s an experienced makeup artist and Mary Kay representative with a private studio less than ten minutes from the Crowne Plaza. Email dh1836@yahoo.com or call 530-308-2419.
Samantha Stanton - Samantha operates Be the Light Beauty out of her home studio just up the freeway from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She’s hosted Gems at her studio to teach makeup application and would love to do your makeup for Sparkle or any other occasion. Contact Samantha via her website: www.bethelightbeautyco.com.
If you don't require a private session, you can also arrange for a makeover at one of these retailers recommended by Gems members.
- Total Beauty Experience, 2929 Arden Way, (916) 481-7994
- MAC in the Arden Fair Mall, (916) 921-2812
- Ulta in the Arden Fair Mall, (916) 929-2912
- Sephora in the Arden Fair Mall, (916) 649-1010
Contact Us
How can we help?
This form is currently closed for submissions.