Just two days after the running of the 26-mile annual Marine Corps Marathon of the Monuments, Washington, DC hosts the always silly and very popular High Heel Drag Race near Dupont Circle. 

Racing two blocks for a silver slipper trophy, over 100 elaborately costumed drag queens go all out in creating their costumes and hair and an attitude to match.  Some sprint, some jog and others just sashay down the avenue, all to the hoots and hollers of the spectators. 

Before the race, outlandishly dressed “racers” parade up and down 17th street strutting their stuff.  After the race, both racers and spectators enjoy the areas clubs and restaurants for some post-race partying.

It’s amazing how some of the contestants can walk, not to mention sprint, in 4-inch stiletto heels or platform go-go boots. 

Expect to see versions of your favorite political leaders, Hollywood celebrities, and other people in the news.

High Heel Drag Race
17th Street, between P and Q Streets, NW)
Washington, DC 20036  (map it)

Date and Time – Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Activities start around 7:00, with the race starting at about 9:00 p.m.

Admission – FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Dupont Circle – Red line, then a 2-block walk.

Parking – Street and garage parking is available, but usually tough in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. 

Images – Flickr – racer and dog, air force racers, Candy Ladies

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Post from: The DC Traveler

The inside of the building holds in rather unique museum with very eclectic pieces of freemason history from presidents to actors, G-men to generals.

The museum includes:

• 36 original still life oil paintings of the various Rite elements by Robert H. White.
• The official collection of memorabilia from FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover.
• A letter from former President Harry S. Truman.
• A life mask of President Abraham Lincoln.
• A large collection of memorabilia from the actor Burl Ives, known for his roles in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Big Country and his narration of the Christmas movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
• Painting of several famous members, including Gen. Jimmy Doolittle, Gene Autry, and Senator Sam J. Ervin. 
• Collection of fine porcelains from around the world.
• A large collection of histories, documents and information about the Rite.

Scottish Rite of Freemasonry – Museum and Library
1733 16th Street, at S Street, NW
Washington DC 20009   (map it)

Dates and Times – Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 – 2:30. Tours are available stating at 9:00 a.m. weekdays and 11:00 on first Saturdays.

Tickets – Admission is FREE.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Dupont Circle – Red line, then a 7-block walk.

Parking – Limited free parking in the rear of the building, as well as 2-hour limit street parking.

Images – from personal collection

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Post from: The DC Traveler