Dayton’s Beloved RubiGirls
There’s a different kind of ‘Game of Thrones’ happening this weekend at Masque. For the first time since 1996, the RubiGirls will pick a Queen in the Miss Rubicon, 2019 drag pageant. The event, Sunday May 19th, will be a pageant unlike any other in Dayton. This pageant focuses squarely on camp and crazy! Categories range from ‘Parade of Nations’ to ‘Gem City Evening Gown.
‘Our theme this year is UNITED. It’s fitting considering the environment many our facing.’ Says Francine Du Bois, Miss Rubicon 1990. ‘The contestants start in a parade of national costumes, move into state costumes, do their chosen talents, and end the show in Gem City Evening Wear! Knowing the RubiGirls, I assure you the costumes will be over the top…and possibly ridiculous.’
Miss Rubicon 1991, India Summer will be on hand.
The Pageant got its start in 1989 on Rubicon Street when the emerging RubiGirls were in their mid-twenties. ‘We hadn’t raised a dime at that time…it was all about fun and madness.’ says contestant Fonda Peters. ‘Here we are in 2019, about to celebrate helping groups around the area, state and country with $2,000,000 in total donations. It’s such a landmark!’
‘I see it this way, the RubiGirls have remained inspirational through all kinds of trying times. For many of us, it has been 35 years of performing.’ says Anita Beer, Miss Rubicon 1993. ‘We have remained committed to helping folks off all walks of life.’
The pageant kicks off at 1:30pm, doors open at 1:00pm. The crowning will take place around 4 at the after party ‘tea dance.’ The pageant cost $25 for the show and the tea dance. Tickets for just tea dance are $10.
‘Tea Dances’ are growing in popularity across the country, and Dayton needs one.’ says Penni Sillin, Miss Rubicon 1995. ‘We are hoping it takes off so it can be more consistent in the community. They are a great way to make Sunday a true Funday!’
Pia and Fonda looking for fun this weekend!
The pageant has drawn 8 contestants in hopes of winning the crown. ‘8 is really perfect. And with the 5 judges in place, it will be a fair, fun and unforgettable night.’ Says India Summer, Miss Rubicon 1991. ‘All of the living Rubicon Queens* will be there. And even more exciting, many of the past performers are returning to say hello! (*Miss Rubicon, 1992, Esther Price passed away a few years ago.) I can guarantee she’ll be watching from upstairs, rooting these girls on. She loved a good pageant!’
Jackie O has a real chance of taking the crown.
‘We are so hopeful that we bring in a crowd as we are using our funds to sponsor AIDS/LifeCycle. https://www.aidslifecycle.org. 2 of the RubiGirls, Annie Biotix and Pussy Galore are riding in the California event. They need our support.’ says Lupe Valezz, the reigning Miss Rubicon.
The RubiGirls are also hopeful that the pageant remains a mainstay of the Dayton Drag scene.
‘We have expanded to so many events around the area like trivia, bingo and brunches, it is fun to do something more geared to drag. That’s how this whole thing got started, and it needs to be celebrated.’ Dana Sintell, the first Miss Rubicon chimes in. ‘ I think anytime you have a group of friends, showing off to the crowds and putting their best face forward….it’s got to be a blast!’
Interested in a little Dayton Drag fun? Go to rubigirls.com for tickets.
