Off to the (Drag) Races!

Every year around this time, drag queens from all over the country line up on 17th Street in Dupont Circle to race 3 blocks in full costume and... HEELS!  A few friends, my hubby, and I attended the drag races last Tuesday night.  This is the 22nd year these races have been held, and they were attended by several thousand fans including Mayor Fenty.  The crowds were so thick that some people were creative and climbed trees to get a view.  Others, who were clearly more experienced than we were, came prepared with milk crates to stand on to see through the throngs.  Before the races, the competitors line up for a parade to show off their lovely and elaborate costumes.  Afterwards, they stay and mingle with fans and take pictures.  This year's costumes were creative as always.  There was a replica of the Washington Monument, the Spice Girls, the gang from Reno 911, Janet Reno (who apparently had a hankering for Brie), and one giant tall drink of watermelon.  After photos are taken, most patrons hit up the awesome local restaurant and bar scene that Dupont Circle has to offer.  We went to Afterwords cafe, which is a wonderful little bar, restaurant, and book store combined.  Try the phenomenal cheese plate!