Drag queens were multiplying like rabbits outside the Auburn, CA, McDonald's on Easter Day.

Take 110 drag queens, mix in plentiful alcohol and, one might suspect, a sprinkling of illicit substances, pour into two tour busses and put it all on the open highway for five hours to marinate. That is a recipe for disaster – and Trannyshack: Reno, the drunken drag excursion now in its 11th year. According to the handful of participants able to actually remember details from the March 22-23 road trip, a good time was had by all.

With such accolades as “Best Drunk” awarded to participants on the way home, Trannyshack: Reno always guarantees a wild time. The brainchild of Trannyshack mastermind Heklina and Peaches Christ, who served as “den master” for one of two Nevada-bound busses, the event takes San Francisco drag lovers to “The Biggest Little City in the World” where Trannyshack legends intermingle with local performers for a midnight show.

For most, drag begins well before busses depart at 11 a.m. Saturday. With participation nearing an all-time high, Trannyshack performer “The Filthiest Person Alive” Rentecca and partner Jizzandra proved interesting choices to supervise a second bus, as both were in alcohol-induced blackouts before the ride’s conclusion.

The journey to and from Reno included a lunch break at an unsuspecting Auburn, California, McDonald’s. Local responses ranged from mild amusement to sheer disgust as drag queens descended on the establishment, overflowing into a strip mall next door. This year some participants decided to peruse a nearby thrift store for last minute accessories.

“One lady said if she was half as pretty as me, she’d probably still be married. It was really cute,” “Miss Trannyshack Star Search 2008” Anjie Myma shares, “Another woman said I looked great, then called me a ‘him’ under her breath. That wasn’t so cute.”

Once in Reno, the crew takes over the Sand’s Hotel. Many opt to change out of drag to enjoy gambling, the hot tubs or grab dinner. Others persevered, dining at local eateries in full drag without a care in the world.

“I went into Arby’s and all the Latina girls in back came out to check out what I was wearing,” relates Becky Motorlodge, who was one of two individuals voted “Best Newcomer” on the trip. “Later, when I walked across the street to the convenience store, a guy almost drove up onto a curb looking at what I was wearing. I guess I looked like a hooker.”

Wrapping the trip with an Easter Day brunch at The Silver Legacy Casino, exhausted participants – many in drag once again – piled back onto the busses for the ride home. With two land yachts returning everyone, this year saw twice as many winners of coveted Trannyshack: Reno awards.

For Bus One (dubbed “Lady Luck”), “Best Drunk” was Lady Bear, who proved a trip highlight when she staggered into the Auburn McDonald’s, slapped down a $20 bill and said, “Give me all the cheeseburgers I can get!” Hugz Bunny, in ever-festive fashion, won “Best Easter Attire.” The always scantily-clad Motorlodge won “Best Newcomer.” “Best in Show” went to Turleen, who performed “Lonely Goat Herd” in a full blackout while covered in blood and gore.

Award recipients on Bus Two “She’s a Winner” were Kiddie as “Best Drunk,” a quiet if intimidating drinker content to stay in her seat and guzzle liquor. Trannyshack legend Kimo, who has taken her “Madonna 20/20” routine around the world but never to Reno, was named “Best Newcomer.” Kegel Kater, as the corpse of Jesus, won “Best Easter” attire. “Best in Show” was given to Miss P, who with man-accessory Patty Melt, flew in all the way from East St. Louis, Missouri, for the trip.

Peaches Christ recalls meeting Miss P during a speaking engagement at a university in Missouri. She says the local college student’s face “just lit up” when she discussed Trannyshack: Reno.

“She asked if we really put together busloads of drag queens to go to Reno and swore she was coming this year,” Christ says of Miss P. “When people say that, the never really come – but she did. That’s just amazing!”