by Shaun Knittel - SGN Associate Editor

Supermodel of the world and drag entertainer RuPaul is at it again. Season 4 of the enormously successful RuPaul's Drag Race premieres Monday night on LOGO, and reality TV lovers and drag enthusiasts have been on pins and needles to get their first glimpse of this season's competing cast. The wait is finally over: RuPaul and her girls are back, and if all the hype and fanfare come close to the reality of the show, Season 4 is poised to be the biggest and best one yet.

This year, the 13 queens competing to be named top queen in all the land range from as young as 21 to as experienced as 40. They come from Chicago, Pittsburg, Puerto Rico, and all point in between. They are plus-size, no-size, fish, and camp; each one hoping not to have to lip-sync for their life, and each of us hoping they do.

Seattle loves us some RuPaul's Drag Race. Pick a season. It doesn't seem to matter. If a queen from the show blows into town, tickets move fast. Promoters and bar and club owners know the queens and the brand RuPaul's Drag Race is a sure thing, and that's a good thing. No one can deny that the show is a huge hit, it's an absolute riot to watch, and reality TV is king.

Also, it shouldn't be overlooked that RuPaul has been a Gay icon for some time now. We've watched Ru grow from drag entertainer to club kid to recording artist and supermodel. We were along for the ride as she failed as a talk show host and nobody cared about her music. But then something special happened one day in 2008: RuPaul created her Drag Race, and the world has not been the same since. Drag is in. Boredom is out. TV is Gayer than it has ever been and leading that charge is a glamazon with a platinum blonde wig. RuPaul is queen of the hill.

Don't want to watch alone at home? No problem! There are a number of locations that are scheduled to hold a weekly viewing party.

The Lobby Bar (916 E. Pike St.) is host to the official LOGO sponsored viewing location. Each Monday, beginning at 8 p.m., join returning hosts Lily Armani and GLAMAZONIA for RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4. This party is perfect for viewers who can't wait until it airs on TV; LOGO provides the bar with a complete DVD of that week's episode so fans can watch the show hours earlier than in TV land. If entertainment is your fix, Lily Armani and GLAMAZONIA are your drug. The duo offers commentary throughout the evening and performs for the crowd as well. Lobby officials promise weekly ABSOLUT drink specials, giveaways, prizes, and more.

Mondays are also a drag at R Place (619 E. Pine St.) as they host a weekly 9 p.m. viewing of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4! R Place officials are advertising $6 double ABSOLUT cocktails and a fun atmosphere where you and your friends can get an answer to the question of 'Who will be America's next drag superstar?' Also, R Place management warns, 'Look for special live appearances by the cast members.' Now that sounds like a blast!

R Place has been host to a number of Drag Race alumni and, much to the delight of fans, it doesn't look like they are going to stop any time soon. Start your engines and head over to R Place on Monday night for the series premiere.

RuPaul has tapped into something that America can't seem to get enough of with RuPaul's Drag Race. When Season 1 first aired, it was an instant success. Then Season 2 came along and many wondered, 'Could lightning strike twice?' Well, needless to say, lighting has struck three times, and is about to strike again. My advice to you would be to take cover, head inside to the safety of one of the weekly viewing parties, and grab an ABSOLUT cocktail. The show is about to begin.

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