The Nightmare Before Christmas In July

The Derby City Roller Girls, though they don't know me, must love me because they come up with things like "The Nightmare Before Christmas In July" that bring me so much joy.

From the press release

With an outrageous theme that's one part Halloween, one part Christmas, and all roller derby, all the time, Louisville's own Derby City Rollergirls return to flat-track action at 7pm on Sunday July 8th at Treo Roller Rink (721 Gagel Ave., formerly Champs on Manslick), hosting Cleveland's Burning River Rollergirls in the league's first double-header, "The Nightmare Before Christmas in July." Both DCRG league teams, The Jackie O'Nasties and The Red Menace, will compete, playing two all-star travel teams from the Burning River Rollergirls' league. Each bout of the double-header will consist of two twenty-minute periods; tickets cover admission to both bouts of the double-header.

For the first time, advance tickets will be available locally at area businesses the Atomic Saucer and the Why Louisville Store for $10 (cash only). Advance tickets can also be purchased online for $10 plus service fee, or they will be $15 at the door (cash only). Doors at Treo open at 6pm, and the first bout of the double-header starts at 7pm sharp. Seating is General Admission. The event is all-ages and family-friendly, though rink-side "suicide seats" are reserved for 18+ due to safety concerns. Bout music will be provided by DCRG team DJ Kim Sorise, and the league will have all their branded merchandise for sale, from stickers, patches, and posters to t-shirts and tanks - including the new team shirts for The Red Menace and The Jackie O'Nasties.

In keeping with the "Christmas In July" portion of the theme, DCRG will be collecting money and toys for the Toys For Tots program. Everyone who brings a toy will get a free DCRG bumper sticker, and cash contributions will also be greatly appreciated.

After the bout, DCRG players will meet-and-greet at the official after-party at the Monkey Wrench (1025 Barret Ave @ Winter). There's a suggested $5 donation at the door, with all proceeds going to Toys For Tots, plus DCRG drink specials and DJ Kim Sorise behind the decks.

If you can't wait until the upcoming bout on July 8th to see your Derby City Rollergirls, you can catch the DCRG out at the Germantown Shotgun Festival this Saturday, June 30th, from noon til 9pm, East Oak Street at Swan (behind the Atomic Saucer). This free neighborhood festival will feature food, live music, arts/crafts and other activities - see their website ( http://www.myspace.com/gtownfest) for a complete schedule of events. DCRG will have a booth with all their merch, bout posters, advance tickets and more.