Tracey Keller acknowledges her cheering section in the audience after being crowned Miss Yard Bird 2014.
Yard Birds enthusiasts are preparing for a one-of-a-kind talent show as the fifth annual Miss Yard Bird Pageant quickly approaches.
The event puts a unique twist on the typical pageant culture, allowing anyone, as long as they are 21 and above, to participate in the distinctive affair.
This year, seven contestants have signed up for the pageant.
They will be judged in three different categories: their Yard Birds-themed evening gown, their answer to the question “what does Yard Birds mean to you?,” and a talent.
Yard Birds Manager Jason Mattson said the pageant pushes the boundaries and includes everyone.
“I think it’s (unique) because it goes beyond the usual beauty pageant confines,” he said. “Any woman who wants to compete, no matter the age, appearance, or whatever.”
Four judges, all involved with Yard Birds in one way or another, will rank each contestant. The winner will get their own custom-made tiara and sash, along with a basket of fun items, Mattson said.
This year, the original Miss Yard Bird, Michelle Lucero, of Chehalis, will put on a musical performance to open the show.
Back again by popular demand will be Vincent Drambuie, who will be the host for the pageant.
The winner of the competition will be the Yard Birds representative, and will be required to attend certain events, becoming the face of the shopping center.
“It’s nice to have a representative that people in the area can look up to, and it’s something silly and fun to do,” Mattson said.
Along with the talent portion of the event, there will be a live auction, offering Yard Birds memorabilia to bidders. Mattson said an original Yard Birds plate from the restaurant, a Yard Birds oil can, and maybe even a fuzzy mushroom stool, popular back when the store opened, will be up for grabs.
In its fifth year, the pageant has been gaining popularity and Mattson said the venue is usually a packed house. Last year, approximately 100 people attended, and he hopes that number will be even bigger this year.
Mattson, who has been the manager since May, said those planning to attend should come out early to get a good seat.
“I hope that people come out and support this odd bit of entertainment,” he said.
The goal is to raise as much money as possible for the re-restoration of the iconic bird that sits just outside of the business. Mattson said he would be happy to raise anything over $1,000 for the efforts, a goal $300 higher than what was raised last year. In all, approximately $1,800 is needed for the restoration efforts.
