Pageant a fabulous success
FAKE lashes, stilettos, feathers, drama and fun were the order of the day at the crowning of the third Nelson Mandela Bay Queen of Pride in the city at the weekend.
The 10 contestants did not let a bit of cold weather stand in the way of putting their best foot forward at the Boardwalk Amphitheatre as they went from casual clothes to swimwear and evening gowns.
After much weave-flicking, hip-swaying and contestants tripping over their designer dresses, the crown went to 24-year-old Vinny Alk Langford, who was trying her luck for the second year.
While most managed to stay on their shoes during the outfit changes, some ended up walking the runway barefoot.
Decked out in a pink ball gown, Langford said being crowned NMB Queen of Pride 2014 was a dream come true.
"I first entered last year but I did not make it. I knew this year the title was mine. I am so pleased with the whole production; everything was a huge success. We had such a loving crowd who made me comfortable," Langford said.
The first runner-up was Sasha-Lee Tyler and Rolinda Hay took the second runner up spot. Hay said she was shocked when they called her name as she was the oldest, at 38, and fattest contestant.
Tyler, 27, dressed in a green Brazilian peacock-themed dress in the evening wear section, also scooped the best- dressed contestant prize.
"I liked this outfit as it brings out the dancer in me. Everyone has put in a lot of effort for this competition. It is not easy but I am up for the challenge."
Event MC CheyRouge and Cape Town drag artist Odidiva kept the audience entertained while the contestants were busy with outfit changes.
International beauty pageant judge and director of MTR Smit Children's Haven and Crystal Gardens, Dr Crystal Watson, said the contestants were sincere and entertaining. She said: "I support these competitions because they have style."
When it was time for last year's winner Rosie Climax to hand over the crown, she walked the runway in a green swimsuit with a long cover-up of the same colour.
As she was walking the runway for the last time as the Queen of Pride, the glamorous Rosie lost a shoe, and in true diva style, finished her tenure on one shoe.
"It was good to be crowned as the NMB Queen of Pride last year. I had an opportunity to empower people and also promote positivity in the gay community," she said.
Pageant director Thomas Bekker said the Queen of Pride pageant was "filled with glitz and glamour and I can safely say the biggest drag pageant in the Eastern Cape". - Yoliswa Sobuwa
