I've been to that Flea (the one in Boston and the one you're going to in Prov.) and will probably go again this year. The hotel is nice and they usually block all the other patrons from seeing "what's behind the curtain" . The ball is formal so a floor-length gown would be appropriate...and surprisingly, people do sort of follow that dress code. There is a photographer there taking pics too...think "prom" style, you know?

Anyway, I've been attending for about 3 years now and it's always a fun time...never enough time to see all the demos and such but I catch the ones that are high on my list. I will say keep your eyes peeled for the Bay State Marauders. The hottest gay men I've ever seen in my life...and total eye candy. Anyway, you've got it right...be nice, open to what you see (and there'll be PLENTY to see) and have a frikken blast!!!