Eight local guys will compete for the title of Mr. Nelson next week.
In the running for the third annual men’s pageant are Roy Wood (who works at Nelson Chrysler), Greg Bishop (Nelson Ford), Nikko Forsberg (The Music Store), Dustin Stashko (103.5 The Bridge), Ed Wilkie (Finley’s), Dan Cosens (Canada 2-4-1), Sevrin Baker (Posture Health) and Abe Fominof (AM Ford).
Organizer Rosslyne Campen says the event will run like a tradition pageant but without the swimsuit and final question rounds. The guys will show off their formal wear then move into the talent competition.
“Their talent can be anything from singing to interpretive dance to skits,” Campen explained. “They can do anything but shame themselves for the next day, there is a line and you can step on it — but I warn them not to go too far.”
The reigning Mr. Nelson is Rob Boyd, a bouncer at Finley’s. He won the title when it was last handed out in 2009 after singing a montage of songs, with everything from “You Are My Sunshine” to “Daddy’s Girl,” a performance that earned him a standing ovation at the Rod and Gun Club.
“It was just a phenomenal presentation of song,” Campen recalls. “It definitely sets the bar high for what the guys will have to come up with for this year.”
But Campen thinks they’re up to the challenge. She says unlike previous years, the guys are working together, helping each other with their talents.
“There’s such camaraderie with these guys; it’s not something you often see with pageants,” she said. “They just want to make sure they’re going to put on a good show.”
Of course there’re big prizes on the line. Mr. Nelson will win an aerial tour of Nelson from High Terrain Helicopter, and there’s also Whitewater Ski passes, a backcountry adventure from Main Jet, and much more.
All the competitors will walk away with a prize and a title. In addition to the Mr. Nelson, there will be awards for Best Smile, Best Legs, Best Hair, Mr. Congeniality, Mr. Ticket Sales, etc.
And one audience member will also walk away with a massive prize basket. The basket contains about $500 worth of good donated by local businesses. Usually it would be part of the Mr. Nelson prize, but the guys decided to raffle it off to the audience instead.
“They felt their prizes were good enough, and wanted to do this to raise more money at the event,” Campen explained.
The show is a fundraiser for Kidsport and the Nelson Food cupboard. It will be held at Finley’s on Saturday, February 16 beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for a two. Buy your tickets at Finley’s, 103.5 The Bridge or from any of the contestants to help them win the Mr. Ticket Sales title.
There are no reserved seats. Come ready for a roucous night of fun.