A fresh blanket of snow, neighborhoods bathed in glowing light, packed malls and surly street-corner Santas, a tendency toward heavy drinking and stress-induced fits of road rage…yep, the holidays are here. For many people throughout the world, this evokes images of family, faith, tradition, and ridiculous amounts of consumption. But for a decent chunk of the population -- and for many of us Madisonians -- this time of year means something entirely different: It's time to get subversive.
And what better way to celebrate an alternative holiday season than with a little roller derby?
This Saturday night, Madison's favorite ladies on wheels hit the track, kicking off this festive time of year -- and their fourth season -- with the second annual Holiday Expo Bout (a.k.a. the HO Bout).
The Amazing Disgrace (known for the night as "Jack Up Yer Box,"), who will be skating and serving as co-captain for the Ice Queens, explained how the HO Bout differs from the regular-season fare: "It's bigger, it's brighter, and there might be live animals," she said. And, in keeping with the holiday spirit, she quipped: "And Candy Canes are suckers."
Longtime MRD fans will get their jollies as announcers Bob Noxious and Baam Baam step out from behind their trusty microphones to co-captain the teams. At halftime, Madison's beloved
to purchase tickets for you and your friends.
Melissa Faliveno skates as Harlot Bronte with the Mad Rollin' Dolls and works as an editor and freelance writer in her spare time.