Among the highlights of each day at the West Coast Gatherings are the late afternoon social hour parties and evening events.

Just for fun, the social hour parties and evening events have a different theme each day. While nudity is still the overall rule, gathering attendees are encouraged (but not required) to wear accessories that correspond to the theme for the social hour and evening.

Social hour "costumes" can range from a simple cap or hat to the outlandish.

Suggestions for themes for CMEN's West Coast Gathering 2008 were proposed by past Gathering participants. These suggested themes have been reviewed and after months of deliberation the final list of themes has been announced for 2008.

Friday, September 12:Over the Rainbow - Which is your favorite color in the rainbow? Wear your favorite color cap and rainbow color accessories this evening. Together, each one of us can add a color to the rainbow. Opening ceremonies for the weekend session and get acquainted activities are planned for the evening.

Saturday, September 13: Mardi Gras - It's party time at the Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Wear your beads, feather masks, and other festive accessories. A talent show will be featured this evening.

Sunday, September 14: Red Hot - The week session has finally begun. Old friends have arrived, newcomers have joined in. Everything is red hot! Wear your favorite red cap or hat, red sandals or other red accessories this evening.

Monday, September 15: What’s your Sign - In the East or in the West, some believe that knowing your sign tells others a lot about you. Wear accessories symbolic of you sign tonight.

Tuesday, September 16: Blue Moon Saloon - Imagine yourself riding in from the open prairie, or a hard week workin' in a mine, on a farm, or on a railroad. It's Saturday evenin' in the Blue Moon Saloon. Fancy yourself in the next City Slickers? Throw on your hat, boots, and other accessories this evening pardner.

Wednesday, September 17: Night of 1000 Queens - Oh Darling! Dress to sparkle tonight. Perhaps you will find paradise in a luxurious ensemble, in something totally silly, or in the man wearing one.... Miss CMEN Queen contest is also planned for this evening. Who will win our hearts?

Thursday, September 18: A Night at Folsom - The masculine aroma of men in black leather will fill the air; the music will beat heavy with anticipation. Yes Sir! Which is your favorite role? Will tonight be the night of your fantasies? Look your best in polished motorcycle boots, black leather cap, armband, harness, and other leather accessories. Don't have any leather? Wear your favorite black or blue cap or other accessories. Demonstrations and the Mr. Leather CMEN contest are scheduled for this afternoon and evening.

Friday, September 19: Christmas in September - Santa and his reindeer cannot stand the cold weather at the North Poll all year around, so they decided to join us in sunny Southern California for the evening. Santa knows who has been naughty and nice! Come as one of Santa's helpers or as an elf. Please bring a gag gift for the exchange which is planned for the social hour. The highlight of the evening will be the Mr. CMEN contest.

Saturday, September 20: Lei’d in Paradise- Tonight the romance, music, and foods from the Pacific island state will transport our fantasies to a tropical paradise. A beckoning drum and a faint Pacific Ocean breeze add to the romance. Come natively naked or wear a lei for the evening. A luau dinner is planned. Hula anyone? A tropical talent show will highlight this evening.

Volunteers are welcome to help with these and other proposed theme related evening activities, please note any special interest when sending in the registration form.

Sound like fun? Why not tell a friend? Print a copy of the West Coast Gathering 2007 brochure (pdf). For further details contact CMEN at 1-877-NUDIST-1 (1-877-683-4781)

Photography By: Rick B. Copyright 2003-2008, California Men Enjoying Naturism, Los Angeles, CA