Mr. South Whidbey takes the stage

In a few short days, seven fearless men get a second chance – and in some cases, a third chance – to compete for the coveted title of Mr. South Whidbey 2024.

The annual male pageant, which is a display of hijinks and outlandishness, takes on a special significance this year, with everyone being a past contestant. The event is the biggest fundraiser for Friends of Friends, a charitable organization started by the late Lynn Willeford in 1997 that provides funds for South Whidbey residents with uncovered medical expenses.

Tickets are selling fast for the pageant, which takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Freeland Hall. Tickets cost $40 for the 21 and over event, which includes light fare and of course, plenty of entertainment.

According to Kristi Price, the board secretary for Friends of Friends, last year’s Mr. South Whidbey pageant raised over $35,000. People vote with their dollars, and the contestant with the most votes is crowned the winner. Votes can be made and tickets purchased at fofmedicalsupportfund.org/mr-south-whidbey.

Usually, new contestants take the stage every year, but this year is a “flashback” pageant, meaning all the men have made previous runs for the crown.

Tim Leonard, 54, is determined to beat Larry Johnson this year, the only past winner of the bunch.

The owner of the Machine Shop, a former arcade in Langley, Leonard had a routine that involved pinball machines and The Who song “Pinball Wizard” when he last competed in 2018.

“I got a whole new schtick this year,” he said. “Plus, I’m out of the pinball machines. That’s over.”

Leonard, who lives just outside of Langley, is a metal fabricator with his own business, Heavy Metal Works.

Like most of the men competing, he remained relatively tight-lipped about his talent routine this year.

“It’s gonna be loud,” he hinted.

Johnson, Mr. South Whidbey 2018, has gone above and beyond for Friends of Friends, continuing to raise money even after the pageant he won.

“I’ll never forget this,” the 56-year-old said. “It was a really pivotal moment in my life.”

One day, while standing next in line to a woman at the Rite-Aid pharmacy, he was shocked to discover that her prescriptions cost $2,800. Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund helped her, so she didn’t have to sell her home in order to afford her medication.

“Friends of Friends is just such a magical organization, and I’m just really proud to represent them anyway that I can,” Johnson said. “They help make South Whidbey a magical place.”

A cashier at the Goose Grocer and a Clinton resident, Johnson is hoping his friendly rivalry with Leonard will raise even more money.

“We’ll see if I win or not,” he said.

Victor Ramos, 40, has a leg up on the competition, having competed in not just one past pageant but two.

“I always love that it’s for a good cause and that we’re helping out our community,” the 2017 and 2019 contestant said.

A YouTube video of his 2017 performance, which involved a tight silver bodysuit and ribbon dancing, ended up catching the eye of a producer for America’s Got Talent, who invited him to audition for the TV show.

Unfortunately, the judges were divided on whether he should advance to the next round, with all the buzzers being smacked on the table. He remembers Mel B and Heidi Klum were not fans.

“All in all, I think I got about eight seconds of screen time,” he said. “I like to brag about it whenever possible.”

The Clinton resident teaches at the South Whidbey Children’s Center and serves as an assistant for Georgia Gerber, the Whidbey-based bronze sculptor. He is still figuring out his talent for this year’s pageant

Langley resident Erik Stine, 52, got a taste of competing when he went in place of his coworker John LaVassar two years ago. LaVassar was crowned Mr. South Whidbey 2022, but because he tested positive for COVID-19, Stine filled in as “the substitute teacher.” He even performed LaVassar’s talent, which was a skit about his time as a driver’s ed instructor.

This year, he’s ready to bring his own flair to the pageant, with something “nerdy and sciencey” planned for his talent.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” he said. “It’s great.”

Stine is a sixth grade science and PE teacher for the South Whidbey School District. He’s been busy campaigning over the summer, with a pie-eating contest at the Greenbank Farm and a trivia night at Bailey’s Corner Store.

“It’s a lot of stress, it’s a lot of fun,” he said.

Get ready to laugh along with Christian Albright, the general manager and sommelier of Prima Bistro in Langley. Some might remember his stand-up comedy routine from the 2012 pageant.

“Twelve years later, been working on some new material, some new jokes, and hopefully it goes really well,” he said. “If not, I am fully prepared to make a fool of myself.”

A 2003 graduate of South Whidbey High School, Albright recently turned 40.

Organizations like Friends of Friends are fundamental in society, he said.

“It’s fun. It’s just a goofy event,” he said. “Everyone can let loose and make fun of themselves and raise money for a good cause.”

Albright has been raising money through Prima and Saltwater’s “Cocktail for a Cause,” which donates $2 from every select cocktail sold to Friends of Friends.

Everyone’s favorite bagel guy is back this year. John Auburn, a 2012 contestant and owner of the Whidbey Island Bagel Factory, plans to bring his hilarious act to the stage once again.

“I’m there to embarrass myself and make people laugh,” the 62-year-old said.

There are some who may be familiar with his act, while others will be in for a wild surprise. A certain pop star will be involved.

“I’m having a great time and I haven’t even started yet, because I’m doing my act in my living room,” he said.

The Clinton resident said Friends of Friends’ mission of helping people out aligns with his own values.

“It’s just the coolest thing,” he said of the annual pageant. “All these guys get together and just have fun.”

When he first competed in 2010, woodcarver Pat McVay of Clinton had no idea about the talent portion of the evening. Driving home from the event rehearsal, he decided to use a Shop-Vac to vacuum up donations at the event. Attendees can expect the vacuum to make a reappearance this year.

“I’m just hoping I don’t take anyone’s toupee or knock over someone’s wine,” McVay said with a laugh.

He plans to hold a live auction during his performance, complete with a special bonus prize that will remain a mystery.

“Everybody here on the island, on the South End of Whidbey, there’s no services like on the mainland,” the 74-year-old said. “People have to roll up their sleeves and get it done themselves.”

He has always appreciated the grassroots organization for helping the community when people fall short on their medical bills.

“To me, it doesn’t matter who wins,” he said. “It all goes to a good cause. I really don’t want to win, I just want to help out.”