The eighth annual Big Island Pride Pageant is this evening with as much pizzazz and creative expression as one could imagine. Having sold out to standing room only crowds at the My Bar Club in Kona during previous years, this year’s pageant has been moved to King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in the Kamakahonu Ballroom.
The eighth annual Big Island Pride Pageant is this evening with as much pizzazz and creative expression as one could imagine. Having sold out to standing room only crowds at the My Bar Club in Kona during previous years, this year’s pageant has been moved to King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in the Kamakahonu Ballroom.
The 2016 contestants will compete in four different categories during this evening’s pageant. For the Mr. Division, each contestant must create their own costume or couture as well as choose music to support their couture’s theme in the areas of creative presentation, talent, evening wear and “Original Superhero.”
Brycean Baculpo, who grew up in Kona and has been the pageant producer for the last five years, elaborated on this motif:
“The guys have to create their own super hero. Their coutures must demonstrate that super power as does their act for that category.”
For the Miss Division, the categories are recycled couture, talent, evening gown and the Zoomania theme.
“Zoomania means,” explained Baculpo, “that each miss contestant chooses a zoo animal and decorates her couture and presentation as a creative interpretation of that animal.”
The two themes of Zoomania and Original Super hero were chosen by last year’s winners, Mr. Big Island Pride 2015, Aiden Del Rey and Miss Big Island Pride 2015 Zayshalie Italanie. Last year, Italanie sang and danced hula as her talent showcase.
“After they showcase their evening gowns, each contestant must pull a question that is read by this year’s emcee, and then answer the question to demonstrate their public speaking abilities and composure,” said Baculpo. “I have chosen the questions and haven’t breathed a word of them to anyone. It’s a small island, and I don’t want anyone having an unfair advantage.”
Baculpo said that the show is always fun and lighthearted, but this year it has a serious note, too.
“After the Orlando Massacre, the contestants were a little concerned for their safety,” said Baculpo. “We bumped up security for the show. We all are at risk and face the threat of a similar incident. Now more than ever it is time to support each other.”
But Baculpo said the support is felt at the pageant.
“You see a lot of the contestants’ parents in the audience, very proud and cheering on their sons or daughters. And, of course, members of the LGBT community and other people come to the pageant to show their support,” he said.
This year’s Mr. and Miss winners will both lead the Big Island Pride Parade in Hilo on Saturday.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets have already sold out online, but can still be purchased at the door. The show starts at 6:30. ■