For years, hats have graced and heels have traipsed along the Broadway corridor every Easter Sunday to help raise money for the AIDS C.A.R.E. Program in Long Beach. As tradition holds, it always started at the former Hamburger Mary’s site on Broadway and Alamitos, stopping at every bar in the Gayborhood before ending at the Silver Fox.
With the move of Hamburger Mary’s to downtown last year, however, the annual tradition will take a new turn: while the drag show brunch will, as usual, commence at Hamburger Mary’s, the walk itself will begin at Broadway Bar at Cerritos and Broadway at 2PM.
“Even better, Long Beach: this year for the first time every gay bar in the city has joined the effort to raise funds for the C.A.R.E. Program at St. Mary’s Hospital,” said Jewels of Long Beach, longtime drag queen and local activist.
April 6 marked the kick off, with the annual Easter Wreath Auction at the Falcon raising $1K.
This past Saturday marked the Mini Tour of North Long Beach, where Flux in Lakewood and North LB staples Pistons and Crest Bar raised nearly $1K. Mr. Leather Marc Bellanger joined crews from the Imperial Court, the nuns-gone-bad Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and local drag queens for the leg.
This Thursday will mark an Easter Icons drag show at Ripples come 9PM while on Friday, Executive Suites will host a 6PM to 9PM happy hour complete with Easter divas and prizes (tucks not included). Additionally, Hot Java and Asian Umbrellas are offering proceeds donations when patrons visit and, as always, anyone is able to sign an Easter donation slip at every rainbow bar in town.
“Everyone is participating. Every. Damn. Bar. You’re all welcome,” Jewels jokingly said.
Once again, Rick White aka drag legend Sheeya Mann, will be returning to Long Beach for this year’s walk from his home in New Orleans, helping kick off the tradition following the iconic drag brunch.
To make reservation for the Easter Drag Brunch show on Saturday, April 20, at Hamburger Mary’s, located at 330 Pine Avenue, call 562-436-7900. This year’s walk will be kicked off at Broadway Bar, located at 1100 E. Broadway, at 2PM on the same day.