WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Before hundreds of pairs of high heels hit the pavement on 17th St. next week, a different type of heel is stepping out. On Wednesday, a local artist, along with the help of the Mayor’s Office for LGBTQ+ Affairs and other community members, painted a new mural at 17th and R streets in Northwest, paying homage to the annual High Heel Race. “I just want [people] to feel a big hug of color. I want them to feel embraced, I want them to feel like they belong here. Like this is a neighborhood for them, that they’re accepted that they’re loved,” artist Lisa Marie Thalhammer, who designed the mural, said. The mural includes six different heels and was painted through the district's Arts in the Right of Way program. The heels represent all the different types of people—and heels—that race down 17th Street each year. 37th Annual High Heel Race coming to Northwest DC, preps underway “This is simply taking up space in a queer and fashionable way,” Japer Bowles, Director of the Mayor’s Office for LGBTQ+ Affairs, said. “I hope people can see themselves be a little bit more free and honestly honor our history.” The High Heel Race started more than 35 years ago when a group of drag queens made a bet and raced from bar to bar on Halloween night—in their high heels. Founders and JR’s Bar continued the tradition ever since. It’s now sponsored by the Mayor’s Office, which pays for the fees associated with the event. Thousand of spectators and participants come out every year. “It’s one of the biggest nights for the community because it is a tradition and what it means to have the city cover the fees, and help with the logistics, it’s very worth it. It takes a lot to do this and we’re really proud that we get to do this,” Bowles said. The mural was done in partnership with local high school students who are members of an LGBTQ+ organization. Students helped design the heels and paint the mural.   The High Heel Race is set for Oct. 29. The event begins at 6 p.m. with the race starting at 9 p.m.