Only one man can be crowned Mr. Prince George, and the Mardi Gras Snow Daze Winter Festival pageant is here to help separate the men from the boys at the Ramada Hotel Friday, Feb. 3.
During the pageant, contestants woo the audience and judges with dance routines, a unique fashion sense, talents (hidden or otherwise) and allowing charming personalities to shine through.
Mr. PG contenders are 11 strong this year, ranging in age from barely legal to well lived, and representing a diversity of professions from radio personalities to business owners.
The show opener is a rehearsed group dance number, a choreographed routine created by Jana Phillips, who owns a modeling agency in town.
"The second event sees each of the contestants modeling clothes they've picked out from Sport Mart," said Mardi Gras Snow Daze executive director Marian Axelson.
During the intermission, local entertainers take to the stage. Then the pageant continues with contestants strutting their stuff to entertain the crowd.
And then the biggest crowd pleaser, each contestant is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Each Mr. PG hopeful has gathered an auction package to offer those interested in bidding. Auction packages can range from complete kitchen renovations to gift certificates and gift baskets from local merchants.
Proceeds go to help offset the costs of Mardi Gras Snow Daze children's, seniors' and youth events.
And finally, Mr. PG is crowned along with the runner-up and Mr. Congeniality.
Presented with a top hat and cane, the winner also gets a championship ring from Seth Tobin specially designed for Mr. PG, an engraved stein and gift certificates.
Judges include Claudia Schloegl of Max Save, Linda Self of the Downtown Business Improvement Association, and Debra McKelvie, former Billy Barker Days director from Quesnel and two others that have not yet confirmed their participation.
Tickets to the show are at the Mardi Gras Snow Daze Winter Festival office, 1529 Eighth Avenue or by calling 250-564-3737 and are $30 per person, including a calendar of the contestants, munchies and door prizes.
The contestants for 2012's Mr. P.G. are:
Mr. February Jackson Bigelow
Mr. March Norm Schneider
Mr. April Aaran Saarikko
Mr. May Jonathon McMillan
Mr. June Josh Angus
Mr. July J. T. Blanchett
Mr. August only to be known as Soper
Mr. September Philip Block
Mr. October Chris Dunford
Mr. November Norm Linton
Mr. December Shane Loughran
Mr. January Levon Iley
