Gentlemen, winter is officially donezo (pronounced dun-zo) and spring is about to rage on like a toga party at midnight. There’s something refreshing about the change in seasons.  In the case of spring, it’s time to pull out the khaki shorts, dust off the golf clubs, rock the seersucker duds and play that latest track list out of your sunroof or drop-top.

About this time annually, there’s a popular event that takes place in Cincinnati that’s designed to kick start your fun season and encourage you to break out that pique polo you’ve been waiting for months to wear.  Whether you’ve attended in the past or you’re new to the palooza, you need to get to SPRiNG FLiNG 2011!
Despite its latest alias as the lost city of Atlantis, this year’s festivities will take place in the Moonlite Pavilion at Coney Island.  Returning to the emcee post is the lovely Holly Morgan from Q102.  Speaking of entertainment, the night will be kicked off by Tony Krebs from Greater Cincinnati’s DJ on Demand and followed by the Rusty Griswolds who’ll rock us so hard the rest of the evening, that our ears will bleed gravy.
Aside from the abundant availability of tasty libations, one of the best parts of this year’s event are the restaurants that are participating.  Here’s a sample of what you can look forward to tasting at SPRiNG FLiNG 2011:

Washington Platform Saloon: Oysters on the Half Shell
Brown Dog Cafe: Grilled Angus Beef Burgers
Primavista: Artichoke Hearts with Mushrooms and Snails in a Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
Final Cut Steakhouse: Jumbo Lump Crab, Citrus Aioli and Roasted Pineapple Relish
Vito’s Cafe: Asiago Stuffed Meatballs
Iron Horse Inn: Spring Pea Mint Soup with Creme Fraiche and Lump Crab
Mac’s Pizza Pub: Award Winning “Chicago-Gyro Pizza”
Oriental Wok: Crab Rangoon or Potstickers
The Rookwood: Wood-fired Mini Gourmet Hot Dogs, “Little Tokyo,” “O.T.R.,” or “Mexico City.”

As you can see, this isn’t going to be your run-of-the mill cold cut and chips table.

For some of us, Coney Island isn’t exactly close to the places we live.  We all know that boozing and driving don’t go well together, so if you’re hoping to come out with your friends while avoiding a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-DD, you’ll be happy to know that there will be shuttle options available.  You can always use a taxi service or designated driver as well.  Either way, you can leave your car there overnight and pick it up the next day if needed.  Please remember to drink responsibly!

Come out and help kick off spring with a BANG.  Join us for a great, all-inclusive evening of food, music and drinks on Friday May 20 from 8pm to 12:30am.  Proceeds benefit the Cincinnati Horticultural Society and The de Cavel Family SIDS Foundation, so you’ll be having a blast for good causes!  For tickets and more information, check out www.cincyspringfling.com. Also, see the event trailer here.