Ocean City’s second annual Mr. Mature America Pageant will be held 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Ocean City Music Pier, and contest organizers are searching for a few good ol’ men.
Frank Faralli Jr., 61, of Cape May Court House, is crowned the first Mr. Mature America, after the inaugural pageant March 22, 2014 on the Ocean City Music Pier.The pageant celebrates the experience, relevance and talents of mature men, age 55 and older.
If you meet the age requirement and are willing to entertain and educate a friendly audience, join the contest and have some fun. Entry is free, the contest includes prizes (including Dietz and Watson hams to all the hams in the pageant). To enter, call (609) 399-6111 ext. 9300 during working hours, email msoifer@hotmail.com after hours call (609) 364-4010.
Read more about last year’s inaugural event: New Mr. Mature America Pageant a Hit and a Hoot in Ocean City.
The pageant is the only contest of its kind in the world. It is designed to emphasize the contributions of our senior citizens many of whom are still working and retirees who constitute a huge volunteer resource for local organizations, including the city.
“Memories” is the theme of this year’s pageant, and contestants will be asked to recount their fondest memories during the competition. These recollections will be humorous, nostalgic and informative.
Fred Miller, Ocean City historian and author of numerous history books about this resort, will be presented the Mr. Mature America Inspiration Award for his outstanding writing and many years of contributions to the community. His wife, Susan, also an author, who assists him in his work, will be honored with Fred.
The format of Mr. Mature America will be a traditional one. There will be a rousing opening number, “It’s Raining Men,” followed by each member introducing himself in appropriate rain wear. Talent, poise and question-and-answer sessions will follow.
The Pageant welcomes the talents of singers, instrumentalists, hobbyists, storytellers, whatever, as long as it’s within the bounds of propriety in this family resort. There will be a number of hilarious group routines and special guests.
In keeping with the memories theme, some future participants in the City’s Old Year’s Celebration will exhibit their special keepsakes. This exhibit will open 6 p.m. in the Solarium of the Music Pier and be available after the Pageant.
There will be a nostalgic finale to the evening when participants and audience join to sing an unusual arrangement of Auld Ange Syne. Admission will be $10 with proceeds benefitting the Ocean City Food Cupboard. Call (609) 399-6111, Ext. 9300 for information and tickets. Or stop in Room 214 of City Hall during working hours.
Our thanks to the Flanders Hotel and Mr. Peter Voudouris, director of operations, for once again hosting our contestants and judges prior to the Pageant.
— News release from Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer
