"Vera Mysteria is the high-energy host of the Food Court 5000, a totally free, 3.5-mile mall walk around Lloyd Center every Sunday at 11am. Many attendees dress up in their best '80s and '90s aerobics wear, waving to passersby as they pump their arms and lift their knees. The Food Court 5000 started last winter with eight of Catwood's friends. By the summer, she was leading groups of 70."
"Even when she's not strutting for the cameras, Mysteria keeps things loud and fabulous during the 90-minute power walk. She'll do body rolls to the music, wiggling her spirit fingers and cheering on her fellow walkers through her hands-free Britney mic. Before she started power-walking her way through Lloyd Center, Catwood specialized in drag and burlesque, hosting themed shows around the city. After the COVID-19 pandemic cleared out clubs and calendars, she was able to reflect on her relationship to both performance and exercise."
Krista Catwood, performing as Vera Mysteria, organizes the Food Court 5000, a free 3.5-mile mall walk each Sunday at Lloyd Center that attracts dozens of participants. The event encourages dress-up in '80s and '90s aerobics wear, loud music, choreography and exuberant cheering during a roughly 90-minute power walk. Catwood's background in drag and burlesque shapes the event's theatrical energy and use of hands-free microphones and Bluetooth speakers. The walk began with eight friends and grew to groups of about 70 by summer. The initiative frames regular movement as crucial for both mental and physical health.
Read at Portland Monthly
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]