The Friends of Hospice presents its 5th Annual Drag Race on Sunday, September 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. when Washington Street in front of the Courthouse will turn into a race track for some of the area’s well-known men. These good-natured guys will turn out in style in their high heels and high fashion outfits and run, walk or wobble down Washington Street in Easton. It is all in good fun and being done to raise money for the Friends of Hospice with all proceeds going to Talbot Hospice. This event is a precursor to the annual Festival of Trees held annually in November at the Tidewater Inn in Easton.

The fun begins at 2 p.m. with music by DJ Chris Startt. There will be several raffles including a chance to win a $1,000 Southwest Airlines Gift Card. The racers will be introduced at 3 p.m. with the race and awards ceremony immediately following. The Washington Street Pub and Doc’s Downtown Grille will both be donating 10% of its profits on September 24 to the Friends of Hospice.

In addition to running the actual race, each racer will be competing to raise the most money. Joining in this year’s race are Larry Albright, TD Albright, Keith Berry, Bill Burton, Joey Edler, Matt Guthrie, John Horner, Jovan Jones, Jamie McNeal, Johnathan Moore and Trey Rider. Visit http://festival-of-trees.org/drag-race.html to view a full listing of the runners, as well as their bios, and place a bet (make a donation) on your favorite racer. It’s possible to support a multitude of runners. All proceeds from the race will go directly to the Festival of Trees event.

The chairman of this year’s event, Jackie Wilson, said the runners have each set their personal fundraising goals. Those goals total $51,000. “We have another fantastic group of guys this year who appreciate the work of Talbot Hospice and they are ready to raise some serious money. In addition to fundraising and practicing their walk they are also developing their new personas in the hopes of entertaining the crowd,” said Jackie. “Get there early and get a spot up front. This has become an Easton tradition you don’t want to miss.”

The Festival of Tree events are presented by the Friends of Hospice to benefit Talbot Hospice. Talbot Hospice’s mission is to offer patients and caregivers hope and dignity at the end-of-life.

Fundraising Event

Racer Bill Burton is hosting an 80s Dance Party (featuring “Madonna”) on September 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Blue Crab, located at 102 South Fremont Street in St. Michaels. Cost is $25 in advance and $35 at door. Tickets can be purchased at http://festival-of-trees.org/drag-race.html. All proceeds benefit Friends of Hospice.