Admittedly, it was difficult to say no.

When our 2019 prom was announced, two of our drag performers from 2018 offered to perform again. Given the timing and the venue space this year, my gut told me to wait. So I went back to the performers with a counter offer:

How about performing at a later date in a different venue?

Yes, they said, we can do that.

And that’s how our What a Drag! show came to be. It’s Saturday, Sept. 14, with doors open at 7 p.m. and dinner is included.

This show will be bigger than the 2018 performance. That’s because our performers are committed to having twice the number of entertainers for this event. They have been talking to their friends in the industry across Texas about coming to the Highland Lakes, and all have indicated they want to be here. Now it’s a matter of seeing who’s available. They’ll have their own master of ceremonies and several others to interact with attendees as they strut across the room.

It took some time to find the ideal location at the Smithwick Dance Hall, located between Marble Falls and Smithwick. We wanted a big enough venue to accommodate a large audience with enough room to allow the performers to walk and engage the crowd.

Also included in the $25 ticket price is a nacho bar catered by Marble Falls’ own Super Taco! It will include beef, beans, rice and all the fixings. About the only other extra is a $10 cooler fee that allows attendees to bring the drinks of their choice in their favorite ice chest.

The HLEC will have set-ups of non-alcoholic beverages for a tiny fee just in case you forgot something.

Why a drag show and how did we come to the ticket costs?

First, the drag show was very popular at our 2018 prom, but feedback indicated that prom goers wanted more time on the dance floor. That was another reason why the HLEC wanted to do a drag show separate from the prom in 2019.

Next, several LGBTQ members and allies came to us requesting the HLEC host a drag show. And when two of the very best drag performers living in the Highland Lakes offer to donate their time and resources to make the show happen, well, it’s a no-brainer to accept their offer.

Finally, we wanted to keep the ticket price low because we want to encourage attendees to bring their tip money to give to the performers. The entertainers are passing on performance fees, choosing to give their time and talent to this fundraiser because they believe in the HLEC’s mission, purpose and the people who generously give so much time to help the LGBTQ community. Some of our performers will travel hours one way to be here. We hope patrons will tip as much as they can to express their appreciation for a terrific night out.

Let me publicly thank our performers, Super Taco, donors and volunteers who have devoted so much of their time and efforts in ensuring this show happens. In short, without their dedication, this show is simply a text message.

So buy your tickets now. My gut tells me you won’t sorry.