Miss Continental: The Tradition Continues The drag equivalent to the Miss Universe pageant, Miss Continental features the very best in female impersonation entertainment and is held each year in Chicago over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The contest is sponsored by The Baton Show Lounge and JF Enterprises, Inc. and draws contestants and spectators from around the world to share in a weekend long extravaganza of show stopping entertainment. This year's Continental Weekend begins on August 29 with the Mr. Continental competition. The baby brother event of Miss Continental, this contest is meant for "real men" to display their entertainment abilities that don't involve a stripper pole. The second half of Continental Weekend is all about the glamorous and sequined "ladies" who will compete to become the next Miss Continental, taking over for the current holder of the crown, Atlanta's Necole Luv Dupree. The Preliminary stage of the competition occurs on Sunday, August 31, at the Park West Theater with the Finals set for the next night. Over its long and illustrious history the Miss Continental pageant has been an exceptionally entertaining showcase that never fails to delight and thrill the audience. There's no doubt that this year's contest will continue the tradition. www.thebatonshowlounge.com/continental.htm Mr. Continental -- Prelims: Friday, August 29 @ 7pm. Baton Show Lounge (436 N. Clark St.). $35 Finals: Saturday, August 30 @ 8pm. Park West Theater (322 W. Armitage). $40. Miss Continental - Prelims: Sunday, August 31 @ 7pm. Park West Theater. $60. Finals: Monday, September 1 @ 8pm. Park West Theater. $75. While Miss Continental is the once-a-year pinnacle of the drag world, there are other opportunities throughout the year to catch drag performers in and around Chicago. Sometimes they are on stage in full entertainment mode and other times they are playing hostess at bars and clubs ensuring that an event or party has that extra special feeling. Here's a sampling of the who, what, when, where, and why of Chicago Drag. THE BATON SHOW LOUNGE The Baton Show Lounge is the grande dame location for female impersonation acts with its "Tops of the Nation Revue". Located at 436 North Clark Street, The Baton is open Wednesday through Sunday with show times at 8:30pm, 10:30pm and 12:30am. www.thebatonshowlounge.com ROSCOE'S This Boystown institution uses some of Chicago's favorite "ladies" to host their various weekly events: Miss Foozie on Sundays for Male Call; Honey West on Mondays and Wednesdays for Karaoke; Frida Lay on Tuesdays for Drag Race 2008; and both Frida and Honey on Fridays for Bingo and the monthly Wet Boxers contest on the last Thursday. www.roscoes.com KIT KAT LOUNGE & SUPPER CLUB On a nightly basis, some of the very best dragsters in the city perform for the appreciative patrons that come to enjoy dinner and cocktails at Kit Kat. Regular divas performers include Traci Ross, Katherine Cole, Candi Stratton, Kayla Crawford, Sandy Solis, and Angelica Love Ross. www.kitkatchicago.com SPIN NIGHTCLUB Depending on the Friday, Spin has a lovely lady hosting its festivities. The first Friday of them month, Lady Vera Parker hosts "Fierce Fridays," featuring performances, go-go boys, and DJ Chris Eterno. The one and only Frida Lay takes over on the third Friday for the "Bear-y Special Shower Contest" and the last Friday for the long-running "$200 Shower Contest." www.spin-nightclub.com HYDRATE Every Wednesday night before the boom boom boom of dance beats permeates the club, the Hy-Drag Revue takes place. Hosted by Tajma Hall, this entertaining night features some of Chicago's best performers. On the first and third Friday of the month Cyon Flare hosts the slippery and wild "Lube Wrestling." www.hydratechicago.com BIG CHICKS This isn't a night of drag, but "Formerly Known as ... " is a Progressive Dance Party for transmen and women and their chasers, queers and allies. It takes place on the 1st Thursday of every month. www.bigchicks.com CIRCUIT NIGHTCLUB On Thursday nights it's "La Nocha Loca" with the dazzling Miss Ketty's Latina Review featuring impressive stage acts with performers and dancers. Mondays at Circuit features Mz. Ruff 'n Stuff and The Rocketts on a night of house & hip-hop music. www.circuitclub.com COCKTAIL While house beats inspire go-go boys on stage, Cher serves as the Friday night hostess while Miss Foozie plays the role on Tuesday nights. www.myspace.com/cocktailchicago EL GATO NEGRO Located at 1461 W. Irving Park Road, this has long been an outpost where "you can meet the T girl of your dreams." www.elgatonegrobar.com