Mardi Gras to the Maxi

Through the mass of boxes and cleaning products I can sort of see the end of the tunnel. The light is so bright I had to reach for my $5 Paddy’s Market fashion sunglasses. It’s like having one of those special tans Portia gives you when you pop into Body Bronze.

This light I am talking about is Mardi Gras.

With kick-off this Friday night, it is no wonder that everyone is starting to get excited. Before long it will be the Azure dance party, then Fair Day and, next thing you know, we will be sitting inside hoping the rain will clear by the next day so our make-up will stay on when we are en route.

I think by now everyone knows I have fallen for a backpacker, and I’m trying to deal with his departure only one week before the parade. Are you crazy? Change your flight, seems like the only thing I can say.

Growing up in a small town, my first introduction to Mardi Gras was a Society and Culture assessment the class did. One of my fellow students decided to choose Mardi Gras and its impact on Australia.

I was still tip-toeing around my sexuality so I chose lesbian mothers. After reading my friend’s assessment, I found myself getting goosebumps and feeling a sense of joy.

These people looked so happy, from that day on I just had to do my best to get as close to the action as possible. I wanted to be in those pictures and I wanted to have as much fun as they looked like they were having.

Little did I know less than 10 years later I would be not only a part of the parade but performing at one of the best parties in the world. And I think this year will be no exception.

Like every year the rumour mill is already in full force. If you believe everyone, Cher will be doing her concert at the party (of course she will!) and I heard just yesterday Dannii will also be performing. Yippee!

But as I say each year, nobody really does know, and half the excitement is in the surprise.

With my highlighter in one hand and the Mardi Gras program in another, it is time to pull my finger out and decide on what I want to go to.

I expect a lot of the popular events will be already full, but Mardi Gras is a month-long festival with many different things to go to rather than just the parties.

See you at Hyde Park on Friday night, and happy Mardi Gras.

EYESPY Do you want a showgirl to perform for you this Mardi Gras season? Why don’t you log on to www.divaawards.com.au and book one yourself? Sydney’s leading showgirls are ready to entertain you, and they are just a click away.