UNIONVILLE – Eighteen women, defying typical pageant norms, donned evening gowns and embraced a series of “quirky and oh so regional” challenges on Saturday, May 17th, to raise funds for the Monroe Fire Protection District. The inaugural Ms. Lake Lemon pageant at the Porthole Inn on East South Shore Drive in Unionville was a unique and entertaining fundraiser.
Under mostly sunny skies and pleasant 70-degree temperatures, sixteen entrants (two were signed up but did not compete) aged 37 and older showcased their “grit” in various unconventional events. Forget traditional talent showcases; these contestants backed up lawn trailers, inflated beach balls with gusto, stacked firewood with surprising speed, cast fishing lines with precision, hammered nails with determination, and enthusiastically stomped through mud puddles.
Other challenges included embellishing gloves, calling pets or children, clearing roadway obstacles, and even a beverage chugging contest, all interspersed with trivia questions.
Ultimately, Holli Bennett etched her name in Monroe County history as the very first Ms. Lake Lemon, taking home the $100 first prize. Liz Jourdan was named runner-up, while Virginia Lauterbach secured third place honors.
The spirited competition also featured participants Tricia Baker, Tessa Stevens, Stephanie Perry, Nicole Whitaker, Mollie Lemon, Mandy Entrom, Kathy Luessow, Jo Strong, Heather James, Denise Fulton, Beth Chitwood, Amanda Waits, and Alison Zook, all of whom contributed to the fundraising efforts.
The event’s unique format and enthusiastic participation served as a heartwarming display of community support for the Monroe Fire Protection District. Firefighters from the district had been working tirelessly into the early hours of Saturday morning, checking on residents and assessing the damage caused by the tornadoes that swept through the county on Friday evening. The Ms. Lake Lemon pageant provided a much-needed boost to their resources as they continue to serve and protect the community in the wake of the storms.
