Kink, lust, sex, desire, passion and fun were themes that loomed large over the 10th Taboo ... Naughty by nice sex show in Red Deer over the weekend.
Kevin Blackburn, managing partner of Canwest Productions Inc. who organized the event, anticipated about 10,000 visitors would come through the doors at the Stockmen’s Pavilion at Westerner Park over the weekend.
Those who came through were treated to close to 80 exhibitors ranging from lingerie to limousines to sex toys to body paint.
Compared to shows in Calgary and Edmonton that draw close to 25,000 and in Vancouver, which draws about 35,000, Red Deer gets a sizable turnout.
“Girls read the book, watch the movie and then they’ll walk up to a booth and say ‘I want to try this,’” said Blackburn, referencing the popularity of 50 Shades of Grey.
In one corner of the show is the Taboo Dungeon, operated by Akasha Ravencrest of Ravencrest Manor. Set up with different types of bondage, discipline and sadomasochism demonstrations were offered to anyone who wanted to give it a try.
“Kink is interesting,” said Ravencrest.
“It was so crowded in here, we had to keep everybody back. When demonstrations were going on, people wanted to crowd in and get close. There are lots of people coming in and wanting to try it out and see what it feels like and what the attraction is.”
Drag queen Terri Stevens hosted the event, mixing in her own sassy comedy with giveaways and musical numbers.
Seminars ranged in topics from swinging to romancing to adding a little electricity to the bedroom.
Some stars of the adult entertainment industry also made an appearance in Red Deer including Holli and Michael, stars of the Playboy TV series Swing, and Tori Black, an adult film star.
Michael Nault, CEO of Ace Angels International, ran a body painting booth at the show. He’s been coming to Red Deer for every Taboo show with what he calls his liberating and an expression of freedom.
“Red Deer is our hottest city,” said Nault. “When the Taboo show comes, people come out of the woodwork and our artists love to come to Red Deer.”
Even early in the day Saturday, people were enthusiastic about being painted.
“People have a lot of fun here,” said Blackburn.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com