High Heel Drag Race Once Again Conquers New Hope's Mechanic St. Hill

NEW HOPE, PA — If wearing three-inch high heels isn't hard enough, try doing it while carrying a pumpkin and running up and down a rain-dampened hill.

But this year’s race participants made it look easy as the 19th Annual High Heel Drag Race presented by New Hope Celebrates stepped off on Sunday afternoon as occasional showers dampened the street, but not the enthusiasm.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, the Mechanic Street hill was jammed with onlookers and supporters for the long-standing tradition - a highlight of the Halloween season in New Hope. This year's theme was, "You Go Ghoul - Bewitched, Bedazzled, and Beyond Fabulous."

Doylestown's Jason Wood brings it home. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

"Thank you for celebrating Halloween in the most magical town in the world," said New Hope’s own Miss Pumpkin, who welcomed everyone to this year's event and who served as the event’s emcee. Mayor Larry Keller was also on hand to officially start the race and to present the big trophy at the end.

Race participants were required to dress in drag, wear three-inch or taller high heels, race up the W. Mechanic Street hill, decorate a pumpkin, and then race back down the hill to the finish line.

The first to cross the finish line on Sunday was Doylestown’s Jason Wood, who portrayed a first lieutenant going to a military ball.

“I have come in second three times. It’s nice to finally be first,” said Wood, adding that he practiced a lot to get ready for the race. “I wore a lot of heels,” he said.

New Hope Celebrates President Melissa Patterson said she didn’t envy the participants having to race up and down hill in high heels.

“I am completely amazed by them,” she said. “They are very, very brave for doing so. I had to wear heels for a wedding this past weekend and I wasn’t happy. But they make it look so easy. It’s amazing to watch them.”

Patterson said she was happy with the turnout on Sunday, especially given the weather conditions.

“Despite the wet weather the community still came out, which was totally cool,” said Patterson. “The weather held out for the running to happen. It’s amazing. Every time we do something this community comes out. They came out for Pride in the rain and now they have come out for the high heel drag race in the rain. The way this community wraps its arms around each other is unmistakable. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Immediately after the race, a post-event party took place at Havana’s.

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

Queen of France Marie Antoinette was a crowd favorite. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

New Hope Borough Mayor Larry Keller presents the trophy to Jason Wood of Doylestown.

New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is a nonprofit organization focused on highlighting the history and cultural nuances of New Hope and Lambertville, NJ while stimulating the retail, hospitality, and
professional community. NHC is comprised of a Board of Directors that drives activities and events that serve the diverse LGBTQ+ populace through the creation and promotion of marketing opportunities, educational activities, and cultural events. One such event is the annual, week-long Pride celebration held in May.

Since 2003, NHC has organized events that recognize the strong LGBTQ+ presence in the New Hope area and celebrated the history and culture of our scenic river towns. Funding generated through New Hope Celebrates events is channeled back into the community to support neighbors in collaborative business and cultural initiatives that make New Hope a great place for residents and visitors alike.

(Photo by Jeff Werner)

(Photo by Jeff Werner)