One of DC's best known and best-dressed Halloween traditions takes place this evening in Dupont Circle. The annual Drag Race is held each Tuesday before Halloween in the upscale neighborhood with a vibrant gay and lesbian community. The event begins with a parade, followed by a footrace-- in heels, of course.The race lasts about 15 minutes, and the winner gets a trophy topped with a shiny metal pump. But the real show is the parade beforehand, when competitors show off their amazingly elaborate costumes. I photographed the event for an assignment last year (yes, going to the Drag Race was actually for class), and was tickled to see the drag queen versions of everything from Condoleezza Rice to the Washington Monument. Even DC mayor Adrian Fenty was there, dodging showgirl queens and shaking hands.
After the race is over, the event becomes a street party, with thousands of spectators joining in.
For more: Check out this Washington Post video of last year's race.
Parade begins at 7 pm; race starts at 9pm on 17th St. between P and S streets N.W.
Photo: Kristen Gunderson
Subscribe to RSS feed
Subscribe to RSS feed
This year was my time to the drag race, and while I was rooting for a friend, I think the crowd favorite was the Sarah Palin Queen(s?). Thanks for blogging about this fun event.