Nestled away in the Western Riverina region of New South Wales, the small town of Hay is putting itself on the map for all the right reasons.
Not only does the town of 2,500 have a great sense of humour (their local radio station is called 2HayFM), it's also home to the Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, and boasts the largest cotton gin in the Southern Hemisphere. But for a growing number of locals, this weekend is all about the small farming town's very own Mardi Gras festival - complete with window displays and a parade (which we hear includes a shetland pony).
Dubbed Rainbow on the Plains, the festival started with a small fundraising idea from local mother Krista Schade.
"I asked a few friends if they wanted to hang out on Mardi Gras night, watch the SBS coverage and frock up," she tells SBS Sexuality. "We thought we could host a small fundraiser for our local CanAssist and ACONs regional programs."
Rainbow On The Plains festival kicks off tomorrow. Source: Facebook
Schade, now one of several committee members for the event, then contacted the City of Sydney, who gave their blessing, and started a Facebook page.
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"It went viral fairly quickly," Schade says - "pretty soon people were asking about having our own street parade, so we added that to the itinerary."
She continues: "Then ACON decided they wanted to come on board as a community partner - and just like that we had a three day festival!"
Since then, local sponsors have started pouring in - and while some might be hesitant to get into the swing of things, many hope the weekend festivities will be good for business.
Locals modeling the official merchandise. Source: Facebook
"We are showcasing our town and our community-driven way of life, as well as offering an alternate way to celebrate Mardi Gras for those who can't get to Sydney," Schade tells SBS Sexuality ahead of the festival's Friday kick-off.
But there's also a personal reason behind the festival.
"One of our fellow committee members has a child going through a gender transition, so it's a great way to show their family support," she says.
Local businesses are getting into the Mardi Gras spirit with window displays. Source: Facebook
"But more than that, it's a way to show all people - regardless of sexuality, age, gender or race - that rural Australia is changing."
Entertainment for the weekend includes DJ Josh Kirkby, Albury-based drag act Dragology and Melbourne band Of Ashes, the lead singer of which grew up Hay.
"It's a great excuse for a party!"
The 40th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will air on Sunday, March 4 at 8:30pm on SBS.
SBS Radio 3 will join forces with Australia's premier gay and lesbian community radio station, JOY 94.9, for a Mardi Gras weekend simulcast, which can be accessed via the SBS Radio mobile app, digital radio and around Australia on digital television.
