The sixth annual James Bondage event promises to push its already loose boundaries and boasts everything but elephants in this year's "Under the Big Top" circus theme.
Trinity Romance Shop is taking creativity and artistic talent to a new level and it's time again to grab your costume, fetish wear or - in this year's case - animal outfit for the big evening on Feb. 12.
"It takes place over three circus-themed rooms," shop owner Eric Armour said. "There will be live performances, artistic art performances and obviously, each individual present is an art piece as well.
"Live DJs, light shows, insane décor, live performances - it's a sensory experience."
This year's event will again be held at the Howe Sound Brew Pub. Armour said there's more to the party than the night itself.
"Not only is the crowd energy and production quality off the charts, it all goes to a couple of amazing causes," he said.
"To date, this party has managed to raise $25,000 for the Howe Sound Women's Centre, $10,000 for public art installations, $10,000 for local mountain bike trails and $3,000 for Humanity Village."
This year the proceeds will be split between the women's centre and a public art project downtown.
Armour said supporting the women's shelter is a natural choice.
"At Trinity Romance Shop, one of the things we're in the business of is empowering individuals," he said. "So as a fundraiser it seemed ideal to raise funds for the women's shelter, which is in the business of empowering women."
The art project that Armour - also the Downtown Business Improvement Association president - plans to tackle this year involves getting local artists' pieces sign-wrapped around the bear-proof garbage bins.
"It basically makes the sidewalk a walking art gallery, showcasing our local talent," he said.
Personal cameras are not allowed for the 2011 event, but there will be a professional photo booth set up. There, guests can have their images emailed to them directly.
Full-on costumes are required because, Armour said, "the whole driving force behind this event is the empowerment of women, and having that compromised in any way requires us to adjust the rules slightly."
He said the party exists to create a space free of judgment and open to artistic expression in a multitude of dimensions, where social hierarchies take a back seat to good times and a good cause.
"We ask all guests to check their egos at the door, relax, soak up the atmosphere, and prepare to have your proverbial box incinerated," said Armour. "A strict dress code will be enforced at the door."
Armour said if guests arrive not properly attired, their options are to wear their underwear, a black garbage bag provided at the door or to leave and come back with the appropriate attire.
He said plain jeans, cargo pants, T-shirts, suits or plain work wear will not get guests through the door.
"Feel free to wear any and all kinds of leather, rubber, bondage tape, vinyl, tuxedo, chaps, costume, uniform, kilt, body paint, lingerie, saran wrap, or just about anything else your inner eros can procure," Armour said.
The party starts at 10 p.m. and tickets are available at Trinity Romance Shop and the front desk of the Brew Pub.
