Margaret River’s inaugural Mardi Gras event, dubbed Margi Gras, is slated for the Augusta Margaret River Shire gardens on Saturday February 10. The celebration of equality and inclusiveness will include music, entertainment, drag queens, cool cars and the region’s first public legally-binding same-sex marriage.
Founder of Margi Gras Rebecca Hannan said that the plan was for the event to grow organically each year, attracting visitors while promoting the region as a wedding destination for all weddings.
Mrs Hannan said that she was taking expressions of interests from businesses that would like to be involved and support the event.
“Right now we need support – the Shire and the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce are on board and we’re looking for cash and in-kind sponsors – wineries, breweries, musicians, drag queens, DJs, stall holders, caterers and food trucks – the whole lot,” the professional coach, speaker and trainer said.
“I will be legally marrying my wife of 13 years at Margi Gras - we had a commitment ceremony in 2005, so while we feel married in every sense, however, our union isn’t recognised by law - yet,” she said.
“My reason for organising Margi Gras is to let the LGBTI community know that Margaret River welcomes marriage equality. I wanted to give back to the community who supported it by creating the region’s first mardi gras.”
For more info visit www.facebook.com/celebrateequality2017/, email Rebecca@rebeccahannan.com.au or visit www.mycause.com.au/page/167366/margi-gras
