Where in the world does the time go? October is over, I am writing and reminiscing on the last month, and I am looking at my calendar counting down the days to Miss Gay America. That will be 77 days by the time you are reading this. October has been a whirlwind of constant fun, family, and exciting things happening throughout Arkansas!
October started off with a bang as I joined Brothers Foxx Productions and a cast of incredible entertainers from Ft. Smith, Arkansas to debut “The Wonderland Drag Show.” We traveled to Hour House in Springfield, Missouri where we were met with open arms and amazing friends. If you are ever in the Springfield area I highly recommend dropping into Hour House and grabbing a burger from Black Sheep.
Brothers Foxx Productions is an Arkansas based production company co-owned by Michael Fox and Wesley Fox, also known as PollyEsther Foxx. Together Brothers Foxx have produced traveling productions such as “The Rocky Horror Drag Show” and “The Wonderland Drag Show.” These productions are exciting adaptions of the movies that you think you know! Recently, Brothers Foxx have joined the family of pageantry and are the promoters of Miss Gay Arkansas USofA Newcomer. The pageant will be held at Club Kinkead’s in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on January 14th. Check out Brothers Foxx Productions on Facebook to stay up to date on pageant info, upcoming shows, and more!
Early on in October I had the honor to represent the Miss Gay Arkansas Pageant System alongside Miss Gay America Emeritus, Norman Jones (Norma Kristie), and Miss Gay Arkansas America 2022, Savvy Savant, to present the University of Arkansas Alumni Society with a scholarship donation. This event raised money for scholarships that are awarded to deserving individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community and attending the University of Arkansas to promote their education and success. We were also joined by several Arkansas entertainers who helped make the entire event a success, featuring performances by UA Alumni, Taylor Madison Monroe, Juicyy T, Faux L’Beaux, and Miss Gay Arkansas America 2013, Brooklyn Bisette.
I enjoyed a small break in the middle of October, which turned into planning time for Miss Gay America and getting things checked off of my to-do list... I swear I get one thing checked off and two more things gets added... so not much of a break. Somewhere in the middle of October I was fortunate to be asked to judge the Mr & Miss Ft. Smith Pride Pageant, where we crowned our Mr, Evan S. Kavali and our Miss, Ava Rose. It was a wonderful night of pageantry filled with many new entertainers. Being able to watch our community grow and support one another is a beautiful thing. Thank you to each of the Ft.Smith Pride formers for continuing to cultivate an inclusive community in Ft. Smith and throughout Arkansas. From Ft. Smith Pride it was off to Central Arkansas Pride! The day started off with a full parade led by our Grand Marshal, Miss Gay Arkansas America 2021, Athena Sinclair. I have to shout out Tatum Totts, who donated the perfect red car; it truly made my first parade as Miss Gay Arkansas America a perfect one! Throughout the day there were vendors, family festivities, mermaids, DJs, performances, and so much more. There is an entire team to thank for such an incredible event, and I want to thank each of you personally as you ensured everyone was safe and enjoying themselves. To the entire CAP Leadership team, Janice Marie, security, each performer, and the incredible hosts Athena Sinclair, Kitty Kouture, KC Sunshine, and Savvy Savant, WE ALL THANK YOU!
Many adventures, many words, much love, and 986.5 Miles later…. we are headed into November!
We are beautiful, We are talented, We are strong. Now let’s show the world!
Happy Holidays
- Vanessa Rayne Miss Gay Arkansas America 2023