Big men, bigger laughs: Big Man of Coeur d'Alene returns March 14

COEUR d’ALENE — Big Man of Coeur d'Alene, a silly pageant to benefit Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre, is returning in 2020 on an even bigger stage.

The dudes will dance and show off their talents during this upside-down beauty pageant March 14 at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Event Center.

“Last year, this event was a huge success," said Tracey Vaughan, executive director of Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre. "We wanted to offer something really fun and different as a fundraiser. Since we are a theater, it only makes sense to ask people to lend us their talents on stage. A silly, theatrical pageant just sounded like a blast, and the community agreed with us. We are looking forward to holding the event at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Event Center this year. We needed a bigger venue, and attendees can enjoy other activities at this venue as well."

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

Participants in the 2020 Big Man include: 2019 reigning Big Man of Coeur d'Alene, educator Larry Bieber; returning competitors realtor Shane Greenfield and loan originator Marvin Sears; new competitors fitness instructor Mike Larsen, educator Chris Pickens, attorney Mike Rude, actor Easton Townsend, nonprofit leader Jeremy Sells; and others, to be announced.

"As a returning contestant, I feel like I need to up my game," Sears said. "I feel like I am going to dominate this year, as I am the biggest man, literally and figuratively!"

Newcomer Pickens explained how he is happy to participate for a good cause and that he and Vaughan go way back — they have known each other since grade school at Dalton Elementary and did some theater together in high school.

"I am doing this for the laughter, and I am looking forward to having a 'new' experience with an 'old' friend,'" Pickens said.

Bieber shared stories with the group of contestants about how he has been asked all year to attend events in his “official” capacity as the 2019 Big Man of Coeur d'Alene.

“People have recognized me all over town," he said. "It has been pretty funny."

Vaughan said the event will include community judges Jeff Conroy, Jamé Davis, Kiki Miller and Jay Carkhuff. The casino is offering discounted hotel rooms for patrons of the event. A no-host bar will be available in the event center starting at 6 p.m. The big event starts at 7 p.m.

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