The drag kings at the Ice Palace for the Invasion of the Pines in Cherry Grove capture the theatrical energy and playful spirit of one of Fire Island’s most celebrated traditions. The annual Invasion of the Pines brings together performers, queens, kings, and revelers for an exuberant celebration that connects the communities of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines through costume, performance, and spectacle.At the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove, drag performers become part of the visual and cultural pageantry surrounding the event. Elaborate costumes, makeup, characters, and performances transform the gathering into a celebration of queer creativity and self-expression. The Ice Palace provides a particularly fitting setting, having played a central role in Cherry Grove’s LGBTQ+ nightlife and entertainment culture.koitz Photography documents the drag kings and the surrounding celebration with a candid, documentary approach. The photographs preserve not only the theatrical presentation but also the community and camaraderie behind the event, creating a visual record of a distinctive Fire Island tradition.The Invasion of the Pines remains an important part of Fire Island’s LGBTQ+ cultural history, and photographs like this help preserve its evolving cast of performers, characters, and participants. Through koitz Photography, the Ice Palace becomes a stage for the humor, creativity, freedom, and communal celebration that make the Invasion such an enduring Fire Island event.