After a tumultuous year, the Mr. Lower East Side Pageant is returning -but this time, it’s coming to Queens.
Ridgewood’s Footlight Bar will be the venue for the “17.5th” annual Mr. LES Pageant this Saturday, October 22 at 8 p.m. The pageant will be hosted, as always, by Reverend Jen Miller.
“The 17.5th annual pageant will prove to be an extra-glamorous extravaganza, similar to the Ms. Universe Pageant, if all the contestants were hairy and liked Budweiser,” says Rev Jen.
Why is this the 17.5th, you may ask? Because technically, the 17th event did not conclude in an official capacity—it stopped in the middle because of a fight, according to organizers. Beauty pageant contestants, right?
Participating gents will compete in talent, swimsuit and evening wear competitions. Audience members will then be given ballots and are invited to cast their votes to determine the winner.
Despite the pageant’s name, contestants do not have to live on the Lower East Side. According to Rev. Jen, “They simply must possess the qualities which would make them the proper representative of the spirit of that neighborhood… What those qualities are, I am not quite sure of.” Presumably a pro like the good Rev knows it when she sees it!
The event is free, but The Footlight Bar suggests a donation of $3 at the door. Contestants must arrive by 8 p.m. to sign up.
Don’t miss the chance to participate in a delightful New York City tradition!
Featured Image: Mr. Lower East Side 2014. Photo by Elie Perler of Bowery Boogie