The Shawville Lions Hall was decked out in rainbow colours on Saturday night as a slate of drag kings and queens delivered saucy performances to an enthusiastic crowd.
The ‘Spring Fling’ event was hosted by Fierté Pontiac Pride, a local group that celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the MRC Pontiac.
Host Tanya King, who the group brought in from Brockville, introduced the event for those who had never been to a drag show – which, according to a show of hands, was the case for at least a few audience members. King encouraged attendees to cheer loudly, especially as the performers were mingling with the crowd.
After that, King introduced the evening’s first performer, DJ Hunter Heart (played by Pontiac Pride member Erica Ouimet). The smooth operator charmed the Shawville crowd, weaving in and out of the crowd with his dance moves.
Ouimet started performing as Heart almost 8 months ago. A longtime DJ, Ouimet said they based the character on that passion for DJing and the rave scene. They said the character is still growing, but allows them to express a more confident side of themselves.
“Drag allows me to explore other sides of myself and be creative,” Ouimet said. “I see it as a theatrical outlet where I get to create and build a character and honour and fulfill other sides of myself.”
Then, other performers Bratt Pitt, Katarina Jones and Joe Blow took to the stage for their acts, each winning over the crowd in their own way.
Group member Mitch Gagnon said after hosting a square-dancing event last year, the group wanted to do something a bit different.
“It’s a good way to get people to come out, and we are also supporting drag artists, which we are happy to do. It’s an art form that takes a lot of time and effort, and a lot of thought and money goes into the costumes,” she said.
Gagnon said the group is hoping to gain traction among people who aren’t necessarily part of the Pride community. She said the square dance was a good start.
“It was a great bridging thing, because we had people of all ages and all walks of life, all together for a square dance,” she said.
Group member William Bastien said the group is trying to reach as many people as it can. As a local bartender, he sees a need for more fun spaces where people can let loose, and he hopes their events can respond to that need.
“People just need a place to party,” he said.
Gagnon said they are a small committee of about 10 members and are always looking for more volunteers.
