Female impersonators compete in the Great Conch Republic Drag Race, a facet of the Conch Republic Independence Celebration Saturday, April 23, 2011, in Key West, Fla. The celebration, continues through May 1 and commemorates the anniversary a 1982 mock “secession” from the United States following a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock erected at the top of the Florida Keys’ Overseas Highway. (Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO)
KEY WEST (CBS4) – High heels strapped into place, pancake make up in place and dressed in gowns or stylish sporting attire, some of Key West’s famous female impersonators hit Duval Street on Saturday afternoon for the Great Conch Republic Drag Race.
Among standout entrants were a siren in a silver spandex dress and white go-go boots, two “sisters” in black-and-white nun’s habits and a purple-haired lovely wearing a hot-pink sundress, pearls and a full beard.
The contest’s challenges included navigating an obstacle course of automobile tires and riding or pushing orange plastic shopping carts. Contestants were handicapped based on the height of their heels above the regulation minimum three inches.
The drag challenge was part of the annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration, commemorating the Florida Keys’ 1982 “secession” from the United States after the Border Patrol established a checkpoint and roadblock at the top of the Overseas Highway.
The celebration runs through Sunday, May 1, with events including a sea battle featuring historic tall ships and an open-air bed race billed as “the most fun you can have in bed with your clothes on.”
Source: Florida Keys News Bureau
