26th Annual High Heel Race

Too bad and so sad for all of those needing last minute costume ideas for Halloween.  If you usually got them from the annual heralded “Drag Queen” High Heel Race, Superstorm Sandy played a trick on you.

Rescheduled to the day after the big pumpkin party, the 26th annual 17th Street high-heel race (which began in 1986 as an impromptu race from one bar to another), featured drag queens and other costumed participants running, well… peacocking for a few blocks, strutting for a large crowd of revelers.

Never any shortage of creative costumes, though the number of participants did seem diminished this year, some of the Race’s standouts included Lady Gagas, Cruella Devilles, the Hosts of The View, and some fairytale creatures.

Councilmembers Phil Mendelson and Jack Evans started the race, and Mayor Vincent Gray also attended to show his support.

“It’s been going on for years and there’s never been a problem,” said 2012 parade organizer David Perruza, answering a question posed by the Washington Post.  “It brings everyone together.  Gay, straight or whatever you are, no one cares.”

*Photos provided by the iPhone of Tim Lundin