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Frequently Asked Questions


What should I wear? How formal will it be?
There is no dress code, but most guests will choose to wear semi-formal or formal attire. For ladies, this could mean a prom dress, ball gown, cocktail dress, LBD (Little Black Dress), or dressy skirt and top. For gentlemen, consider wearing a dress shirt and slacks, and optionally a jacket and tie. If you really want to impress the ladies, wear a tux!

Will I be able to change at the hotel?
Yes. The Red Lion hotel is providing us with two spacious hotel  rooms for guests to change in. In addition, some attendees who are staying overnight have offered the use of their rooms for changing at the beginning and the end of the evening. If you need to change, just stop by the registration table outside the Martinique Ballroom anytime after 3pm, and you will be directed to the changing facilities.

How do I buy my tickets? How will they be delivered to me?
If you have purchased tickets in advance, they will be held for you at the door on the night of the event. The deadline for advance ticket purchases is October 1st. After that date, you may still purchase tickets at the door, while they last.

Are there any other events scheduled for the weekend?
You are invited to join us for breakfast on Sunday morning from 9am-11am in the Red Lion's newly renovated JB's Bistro. There are no other official events scheduled for the weekend, but Sacramento is a great place for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Red Lion Hotel is adjacent to Arden Fair mall, and is just a 5 to 10 minute drive from the LGBT-friendly area of midtown known as "Lavender Heights." Consider joining the River City Gems Yahoo Group where you can chat with other attendees about their weekend plans. To join the Yahoo Group, click here »

I'd like to become a member of the River City Gems before I buy my ticket, so that I can take advantage of the discounted Sparkle ticket price. How do I join?
Prorated dues through the end of membership year (March 1, 2010) are currently just $25.00 for an individual or $37.50 for a couple. To join online or by mail, click here »

Is the Red Lion Hotel TG-friendly?
Yes! This is the hotel where the River City Gems hold their monthly socials. You can expect the staff to treat you with courtesy and respect. They are excited about hosting this event and want to welcome the transgender community as Sparkle attendees and valued hotel guests.

Is seating assigned, or can I choose where I want to sit?
There is no assigned seating. However, you may request to be seated with a specific group if they have reserved a table at the event. If you are attending with a group, please fill in the "Name of Group" box during online checkout, or make a note on your mail-in order form. If you have already purchased tickets, you can send an email to info@rivercitysparkle.org  requesting to be seated with your group. Each reserved table seats 8-10 people.

What time will dinner be served?
Dinner will be served at approximately 7:40, after the no-host cocktail reception and keynote speech.

If I plan to stay overnight at the hotel, do I get a discounted room rate?
Yes. The hotel is offering a special River City Sparkle rate of $89 plus applicable taxes. To reserve your room, please call (916) 922-8041 and request the River City Sparkle rate.

Is River City Sparkle an appropriate event for spouses and family members?
Absolutely! Last year, more than a third of Sparkle attendees were spouses, partners, family members, friends, and allies. This is a party that everyone can enjoy. If you've been looking for an opportunity to introduce the important people in your life to the TG community,  Sparkle is the ideal event for you.

I am an "admirer." Can I attend?
You are welcome to attend with your TG partner as her date, as long as you respect our code of conduct. However, if you are single and looking to meet transgender people, we recommend you try the local clubs or the personal ads.

What if I buy my ticket but then can't attend? Will I get a refund?
No. All tickets are non-refundable. However, you may sell or donate your ticket to a friend who can come in your place instead. Just send an email to info@rivercitysparkle.org and let us know that you wish to transfer your ticket.

Will you be arranging any transportation and/or carpooling?
No. We are leaving it up to individual attendees to organize their own transportation to and from the event. You are welcome to make arrangements with others via the River City Gems Yahoo Group. To join the Yahoo Group, click here »