Buckskin Tavern hosts its first drag show, refers to it as “the largest crowd we have ever had”

On October 24, the Buckskin Tavern hosted a fairly unprecedented event in the Fredonia/Kanab area; a Halloween themed Drag Show, MC’d by host Karma Zabitch, and including talents like Violet Vox, Betty Rockets, Slaydes, Rico and Plexi Glass.

Photo by Stacy Cox.

According to Buckskin management, “The night was amazing, with the largest crowd we have ever had for an event, with a line wrapped around the building. We were very close to having to turn people away, it was an eclectic mix of people from young to old.”

Multiple reports from attendees describe the event as “standing room only,” with a few show-goers describing the enjoyable time on the dance floor.

The Buckskin began planning in this event in August, with management stating, “We want the Buckskin to be a welcoming place for everyone, and that includes our LGBTQIA+ community. The art of drag is about inclusion, authenticity and love and that makes it the perfect line up to our line-up of live music, karaoke, line dancing and trivia. There is something for everyone! The Buckskin will continue to host drag shows, with the next event planned for December.”

Karma Zabitch, host of Friday’s event, shared opinions on the event: “I would just like to say that I am completely honored to be welcomed by such an amazing crowd. I started doing drag when HBO’s ‘We’re Here’ came to St. George and was inspired to bring drag with me as I find ‘my place’ here in southern Utah - even if I have to create those spaces, but sometime they come together perfectly like with the Buckskin Tavern. Drag shows are more than tight outfits and choreographed routines, we create space for people to have fun, make connections and express their authentic selves. I’m still soaking in all of the excitement from Friday’s show, and look forward to putting together a HoliSlay Special Show in December.”