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.
Ocean City’s second annual Mr. Mature America Pageant is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Ocean City Music Pier. Seven contestants and three special guests will be featured in this unique contest for men 55 years and older.
In addition to dancing to a rousing opening number, “It’s Raining Men” (an amazing demonstration of senior agility), contestants will be asked to perform a talent, demonstrate poise and discuss their fondest memory.
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.
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Pageant tickets ($10) are available at City Hall (ground-floor entrance off Ninth Street at Asbury Avenue), online at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice or at the door. Call (609) 399-6111 for information.
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Pageant proceeds, after expenses, will benefit the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard. Last year, the pageant donated $2,000 to charities.
“My fondest memory has to be waiting impatiently for my first daughter, Rebecca, to be born,” said Mark Soifer, Ocean City's public relations director and an event founder. “Finally a nurse appeared holding an adorable infant (she looks just like her mother) and all was well in the world. Rebecca grew up to become a nurse herself. She works in the operating room of Inspira Medical Center in Vineland.”
“We are suggesting that at the end of the pageant, members of the audience share their fondest memory with the person sitting next to them,” Soifer said. “Seems to me this would be a fitting way to end the evening after the new Mr. Mature America is crowned.”
Complementing the “Memories” theme will be tables of memorabilia set up in the Solarium of the auditorium that will be available for inspection starting 6 p.m. and after the pageant. These will include items from the Historical Museum, Flanders Hotel and local collectors.
Special guest senior performers include Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame member Dick Richards, the original drummer of Bill Haley and the Comets, blues master Bubba Mac, and Ms. Senior New Jersey America Diane Beebe. The reigning Mr. Mature America, Frank Faralli, will sing. Ocean City Historian Fred Miller will receive the Mr. Mature Inspiration Award, and Momma Dietz of Dietz and Watson will receive a key to the city for her company’s long-time support of Ocean City events, including the Doo Dah Parade.
