Big celebration in DC for 32nd annual 17th Street High Heel Race

WASHINGTON - It's an annual tradition in the nation's capital that is held on the Tuesday before Halloween - the 17th Street High Heel Race!

Thousands of residents gathered in the Dupont Circle neighborhood as hundreds of costumed drag queens raced down 17th Street in Northwest D.C. in an event that has continually grown larger since it first started in 1986.

There was a parade that featured many showing off their elaborate and vibrant outfits along with spectators providing a show of support for the LGBTQ community. The race got underway at 9 p.m.

"It's important because it creates visibility to LGBTQ community, it creates visibility to the trans community and it really just creates a safe space where we can feel that we are welcome, that we can show who we are and we can have little fun before Halloween," said race participant Michael Ramsey.

Serving as the Grand Marshal this year was Mayor Muriel Bowser. Her administration along with District agencies collaborated with previous race organizers and the LGBTQ community with the coordination and planning of this event, officials say.