Local men will display hidden talents and dashing good looks for good cause

Coeur d’Alene is about to play host to what may be the region’s first un-pageant.

Dubbed “Big Man of CDA,” this fundraiser for Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre is throwing the fashion industry for a loop.

“Come see local guys show their talents, answer silly questions, and wear whatever they want to — because life is too short!” said the theatre’s announcement of the event.

The ‘womanless beauty pageant’ takes place at the Eagles Ballroom at 209 Sherman Ave. on Saturday, April 13. The show starts at 7 p.m., following a 6 p.m. cocktail hour.

“We really wanted to do something fun and different for our annual fundraiser. This is such a great way to really flip the idea of the old-fashioned beauty pageant upside-down and have a little fun with it,” said Tracey Vaughan, executive director of CDA Summer Theatre, in a news release. “Our awesome volunteers tell us they are really excited to do something different and play around with expectations.”

Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre board member Teri Runge-Nipp said the event will be fun for all — spectators, judges and participants.

“I am looking forward to raising money for CDA Summer Theatre while watching local men display their hidden talents and vie for the crown,” Runge-Nipp said.

Contestants come from many different professions, from the financial sector to entertainment fields, and they all have one thing in common to participate in this event: a sense of humor.

“I’m out to prove that an AARP-aged, homely man with no talent whatsoever can win a popularity contest of major proportions,” said Mike Patrick, managing editor of the Coeur d’Alene Press. “What’s that? It was done in 2016? Then I’m out to prove yet again that laughing is good for the soul. See you April 13!”

James Perkinson thinks the men in the show having different backgrounds is a plus.

“We’ve got a wide variety of personalities for the guys in the event, so I am not even sure what to expect quite yet. I think that’ll make for something for entertaining, to see everyone’s personality come out in their own way,” he said.

Participants include real estate agent Shane Greenfield; insurance advisor Marvin Sears; financial services representative James Perkinson; chiropractor Ryan Bones; newspaper editor Mike Patrick; actor Duncan Menzies; magazine owner Andreas John; coffee entrepreneur Rick Evans; retired teacher Larry Bieber and others.

“It has been proven that the strength of a community is largely evident in its proliferation of the arts,” says contestant Marvin Sears. “I enjoy theater, so if this 270-pound man needs to get dolled up in a woman’s dress to promote a great organization like CST, you know I am going to do it. I am looking forward to raising as much money as possible for CST and, of course, raising the bar for all men! Our community is awesome at giving, so we shouldn’t have too much trouble at raising money or having fun!”

Vaughan says the event will include community judges and “professional” judges and hosts from the Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane. Members of the court are enthusiastic about the event and will cap off the evening with a dance number.

Tickets are $25 and are available at cdasummertheatre.com or by calling 208-660-2958.