It’s a Drag in Bethel

by Silverback SM

We live, physically, in the town of Bethel, VT, although our mailing address is in Randolph. Bethel has a population of less than 2,000, but is notable that its demographic matches Vermont’s as a state. Thus, in political circles it’s a cliche that “So goes Bethel, so goes Vermont.”

Downtown is classic Vermont Railroad town. The former train station was converted into a bar, formerly called The Depot. It was a dreary, forlorn little place that played host to a small group of local rummies, but somehow seemed hostile to newcomers. But several years ago the bar changed hands and became Babe’s. Renovations began and rumors circulated widely that the new out-of-town owners were turning it into a gay bar, or more politely an establishment that would be welcoming to members of the LGBTQ community. Consensus, especially among loyal patrons of The Depot, was such a tavern would never fly in a small, rural town like Bethel. Har, har.

Consensus was wrong! With a facelift, the addition of outdoor seating, and an emphasis on fine cocktails and inclusivity, Babe’s was an instant hit, making downtown Bethel a place to be on weekend nights. Babe’s has become a beacon for members of Vermont’s queer community, while former patrons of The Depot still feel welcome to pop in for the proverbial shot and a beer.

On my last visit I was surprised to see a poster advertising a Drag Show to be held in Bethel’s White Church just across the bridge that passes over the Third Branch of the White River, heading north on Vermont state Route 12. I pointed the poster out to my wife, Silverbelle Sandy. Her reaction was similar to mine: “A Drag Show? … here in Bethel, Vermont? … in the White Church!?” Then she turned to me and said “What’s a Drag Show?”

I wasn’t of much help, but really … a drag show? … Bethel. Vermont? … the White Church? The last time I was there was for one of Mabel Dumont’s ham & bean suppers put on by the Rotary Club. We had to go.

Downtown Bethel was bustling on a Friday night when we passed through on the way to the White Church. Babe’s was buzzing, Cockadoodle Pizza was crowing, and there was a concert happening at the community bandshell. Your would never have seen such nightlife in day BB (before Babe’s). We got the last parking spot in the lot for the White Church, and walked in trepidaciously. The church was about three-quarters filled, with a wide range of ages represented (no children), The audience reflected the community, but with way more tattoos than you’d see at a church service.

The lights dimmed and a lady(?) came out in a baby blue gown and platform shoes to introduce a performer. [Sorry, I don’t know how to edit these clips for length, so just watch as long as your patience dictates SB SM]

The first few performers were making their debuts as drag queens, and their performances were on the tentative side:

Here’s another:

No matter how nervous the performer, the audience was relentlessly enthusiastic and encouraging, hooting, hollering, and waving dollar bills that they would tuck into the ladies’s costumers. This, in turn encouraged the performers to become more audacious in their performances:

Collecting dollar tips (I think this is a lady performing as a country and western/heavy metal dude:

The performers became more cheeky with their audience interplay:

The performer/audience bond grew stronger as the night wore on:

And they became rowdier and raunchier as the audience reached its climax. We’ll spare you the more explicit highlights, but here’s the lead-in:

And finally it’s time for a curtain call and let the audience get into it, too!