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To commemorate this special year, NHC combined the excitement of the drag race with a unique art auction, providing an engaging and meaningful way for the community to come together.
NHC President Melissa Patterson described the High Heel Drag Race “as a cherished annual event that has brought excitement to the streets of New Hope for the past 20 years. Held every October, this race challenges a maximum of 15 people dressed in drag to don three-inch high heels, carry a pumpkin uphill on West Mechanic Street, decorate it at the top of the hill, then race back down with it to the finish line. Melissa added, “All heels are measured to ensure they are truly three inches!”
The event, which took place October 27, was a vibrant display of creativity, inclusivity, and community spirit, drawing large crowds of both locals and visitors. It served as a testament to the welcoming and diverse culture of New Hope, where people of all backgrounds were invited to participate in the fun.
Originally overseen by the New Hope Chamber of Commerce, this race was taken over by NHC in 2015, and since then, it has continued to grow in popularity. Now, thousands of people attend each year to witness the spectacle, which has become a cornerstone of the town’s month-long festivities.
This year, in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the High Heel Drag Race, NHC introduced the OUT in New Hope Art Auction. This art event showcased over 30 unique pieces created by local artists. The art pieces, which included a variety of styles and media, were displayed throughout businesses in New Hope and Lambertville from early October until November 2.
According to Paul Kokesh, NHC VP of Communications, the project was inspired by a 2019 art exhibition showcasing raven-themed art pieces in honor of the closing of The Raven, a beloved LGBTQ+ resort.
Now, with the 20th anniversary of the drag race as its inspiration, this 2024 project asked artists to base their creations on the iconic high heel. These works of art consisted of 18-inch wooden high heels mounted on wooden panels, providing a creative and symbolic canvas for artists to express themselves.
John McNeill, a NHC board member, explained that the auction took place online, allowing people to bid on these one-of-a-kind pieces from the comfort of their homes. Each of the 32 art pieces featured a QR code linking to the NHC website where visitors could access a digital walking map of the artworks across the towns and the auction site. This allowed people to explore New Hope and Lambertville, enjoy the art, and seamlessly place bids online.
Fifty percent of the proceeds from the auction will go directly to the participating artists, while the other half will support NHC and its historical projects, including those planned for 2025.
The artists participating in the OUT in New Hope Art Auction came from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique vision and style to the project.
Laura Reilly, a graphic designer and illustrator from New Hope, created a piece entitled “Darling, Walk This Way”. Her design, featuring a glittery gold high heel with rainbow accents, celebrated the inclusive and welcoming spirit of the New Hope community. “It’s about being your authentic self,” Reilly explained, “and knowing you are accepted here.”
Another local artist, CJ Sevilla, took a playful approach with his piece, “Sofa Yoga”. This artwork, featuring a cat stretching on a denim couch, reflected the fun and creativity that embody New Hope’s artistic community. Sevilla used a mix of materials, including recycled bags and cardboard, to create a textured, whimsical design.
Kelly Beck-Kay, an independent artist and a NHC executive board member, chose to make a statement with her piece, “Freadom” that highlighted the issue of book banning. Beck-Kay’s artwork was constructed from covers of banned books.”New Hope is a safe haven for diversity and inclusion,” she noted. “I hope my work sparks conversations about the importance of these values.”
Because October was LGBTQ+ History Month, OUT in New Hope included a full calendar of events honoring this important time. In addition to the High Heel Drag Race and the art auction, there were a series of events leading up to the race, including a special happy hour honoring National Coming Out Day, a Drag Queen story hour hosted by the Lambertville Library, and an LGBTQ+ night out featuring a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, just to name a few of the many featured attractions.
The 20th anniversary of the High Heel Drag Race, paired with the OUT in New Hope Art Auction, served as a memorable and meaningful celebration. Whether people were cheering on the drag racers, bidding on a unique piece of art, or simply enjoying the inviting atmosphere of New Hope and Lambertville, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
This event was a powerful reminder of the strength, creativity, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and the vital role that art plays in fostering connection and understanding.
For more information about New Hope Celebrates, visit www.newhopecelebrates.com.