Mr. South Whidbey 2018 crowned

Fun, frivolity and lots of funds for medical needs

By Patricia Guthrie • October 9, 2018 1:30 am

Pink sparkling pumps accentuated the outfit of Mr. South Whidbey 2018 as he was crowned Saturday night before a sold-out crowd at Freeland Hall.

Larry Johnson won the most votes — and dollars — beating out five other competitors who all showed off hidden and sometimes hilarious talent.

An estimated $30,000 was raised for Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund that helps pay various health-related expenses for South Whidbey residents. The nonprofit safety net group has raised more than $1 million and helped more than 2,000 residents since it started in 1997.

The annual manly pageant once again proved a hit with the community who bought $30 show tickets, then voted for their favorite with greenbacks galore.

Competing against Larry Johnson were Ray Green, Keegan Harshman, Mike Johnson, Tim Leonard and Trace Prael.

“We had a sell-out crowd with 180 tickets sold,” said Kristi Price, chairwoman of fundraising on the Friends of Friends 13-member board.

“The six contestants were amazing and once again raised the bar for gathering votes and displaying talent,” she said. “Friends of Friends was honored to have each of them represent this charity.”

Johnson received the crown from last year’s winner, Daniel Goldsmith, after a drag of a show dressed up as Ms. Sharlamaine Event. A vision (of some kind) with rainbow-colored hair and a gown of layered lavender and royal blue, Johnson topped off his stunning ensemble with satin purple gloves and sassy shawl.

Ray Green, decked out in a killer tux, performed a standout stand-up comedy routine.

Keegan Harshman sang his own version of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from the “The Lion King” soundtrack while Mike Johnson (not related to Larry) played guitar and sang a song written by his dad about getting his old, reliable commuter Volvo stolen.

Trace Prael went back to the 80s with interpretive dance inspired by the movie, “Flashdance.”

Tim Leonard, owner of the Machine Shop in Langley where some 60 of his pinball machines are set up for play, showed off his versatility. He simultaneously danced and lip-synced while playing pinball on stage to Elton John’s version of “Pinball Wizard.” He did it all wearing “Tommy” tottering platform shoes, of course.

Mr. South Whidbey 2018 hustled early and often for businesses and individuals to donate toward the cause, he said.

“My winning strategy was to get people to the pageant,” Johnson said. “It feels awesome.”

• Nominations for the Mr. South Whidbey Pageant 2019 can be emailed to info@fof medicalsupportfund.org