MR MATURE PAGEANT 2018

The 5th annual MR MATURE PAGEANT 2018, promised, a fun Saturday for the residents of Ocean City, New Jersey this year.  The morning started off with a "Parade of Pooches".  Residents were invited to bring their beloved dogs to march.  There were marching bands, and convertibles driving dignitaries along the parade route.  One person, in particular riding along was actor Eric Estrada, star of the TV series, "Chips".  

file photo

Carolyn Slade Harden/MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2017 & MS MS SENIOR AMERICA 2017

It was fitting that QUEEN Carolyn Slade Harden, began her cross country tour right here in New Jersey, on Saturday evening, April 14th.  Carolyn was invited to sing, and also to serve on a panel which consisted of 3 judges.  

The idea of creating a Pageant for men 55 and over, came from the long established and time honored MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT.  Some similarities do exist, however, the main difference between the two is the MR MATURE PAGEANT is local, and is sponsored by the City of Ocean City; whereas the MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT is nationwide.  State Pageants are held during the year, and then their QUEENS must compete for the national title.

The evening began with the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner", led by QUEEN Carolyn.  Eric Estrada was the emcee.  A capacity audience filled the room that evening, and people were excited and very vocal as they cheered for their favorite contestant.  There were eight in all, and each man tried his best to outshine the other as they paraded across the stage.  There were 3 Judging Categories: Talent and Poise, which were public, and a Judges Interview, which was private.  In the end, it was Bill Quain, who won this year's title. 

all photos, courtesy Denise Mechan

Although it has been at least three decades since he starred in the hit TV series "Chips", Eric Estrada still retains his masculine charm and allure, as he poses with with QUEEN Carolyn after the Pageant. 

Here, QUEEN Carolyn poses with:  Bill Quain/MR MATURE 2018, and the other two judges, Frank Farelli, Jr. - the very first MR MATURE, and Katie Schreckengast/MISS PA 2017, who was 10th runner up in last year's MISS AMERICA PAGEANT.

Yes, in America, "monarchies" still do exist, as proven by these two Senior Pageants.  See them as they stand regally, proudly wearing their crowns, banners and staff.  Long live QUEEN Carolyn Slade Harden/MS SENIOR AMERICA 2017, and Bill Quain, MR MATURE 2018.  YEAH!