For the last 25 years, Club Hippo has hosted the three-day competition of glitter, satin, leather, and lace for ten contestants who have excelled in the five preliminary contests held from May to February.

Once crowned, Miss Gay Maryland 2012 will be tossed into a smorgasbord of interviews and LGBT events representing the wildly varied, scandalously witty world of the drag queen, in addition to participating in the Baltimore Pride Parade in June.

So save up your singles for the tipping frenzy this April 21 through 23 as Kolby and Colby pair up with sizzling emcees Kofi, the current Miss Black America Plus, and Catia Lee Love for 72 hours of nail-biting tension with celebrity judge Alexis Mateo of Ru Paul's Drag Race.

On the 21st, after the contestants sit though orientation, they will be putting their best face forward for an out-of-makeup interview, ensuring they have the gestalt needed to secure the dignity of this title. After the grilling, the contestants will exit stage right into the karaoke bar for In Review, a sequined-studded retrospective of Miss Gay Marylands' star-studded reigns. Previous crown holders will grace the stage.

After the slow immersion with the meet-and-greet, the pressure begins. As the sun sets on April 22, Club Hippo's doors will open to fire-safe capacity as the solo talent, ball gown, and enhanced talent performance portion of the competition begins. Seats for this event are selling fast and may not be available at the door. Emcees Kolby and Colby and the luscious Ms. Mateo will liberally sprinkle this event with their own palate-cleansing performances.

On Monday as the scores are tallied to determine the top five who will be announced that evening. Sunlight hours will pass in a flurry as the hopefuls amp up for a second ball gown and enhanced talent portion partnered with the infamous question and answer segment, which will be a last barrier between the crown and a year of service and adoration.

So plan the third weekend of April around one of Mount Vernon's treasures and be a part of Miss Gay America's history. ■

In Review
Saturday, April 21 • 10pm
Drag performances by
former Miss Gay Maryland queens
Special guests Alexis Mateo and Kirby Kolby

Preliminary Night
Sunday, April 22 • 6pm
Ten contestants vying for Miss Gay Maryland
Special guests Alexis Mateo, Kirby Kolby,
and Chi Chi Ray Colby

Final Night
Monday, April 23 • 7pm
Top 5, Gowns, Talents, Winner Crowned!
Special guests Alexis Mateo and Kirby Kolby

Club Hippo
1 W. Eager St.
Each event $12
ClubHippo.com