PAGE 18 HIGH GEAR JUNE 1980

1980 Miss Gay Cleveland Pageant

By Bill Gerard

The 1980 Miss Gay Cieveland Pageant was held on May 11 at the 2402 Club on St. Clair Avenue.

Mark Puleo and Twiggy presented the annual event which is a prelude to the Miss Gay Ohio Pageant to be held .later this year.

The pageant's Board of · Directors were: PresidentTwiggy. Vice-President-Claudette Knight, Secretary-Cathy Craig, and Treasurer-Mark Puleo, who also was program director.

Hosted by Twiggy and Lady Z. the pageant was opened with a rousing number by "Entertainer of the Year" Miss Cathy Craig. The judges were then introduced. They were: Jimmy Cougar of Traxx. Teddy Swingos of the Nantucket Lounge. Steve Kasper (better known as Madame Shamu), director Jim Scott, hair stylist and fashion coordinator Jim Vincent, and Miss Gay Cleveland for 1976. Melissa Ross.

Estelle Bruno, wife of 620 Club owner Joe Bruno, was supposed to have been a judge but a surprise birthday party given for this special lady pre-empted her appearance. Steve Kasper accepted an award on behalf of the 620 Club for its 25 years of service to the Cleveland gay community.

The judging was based on the contestants' performance in three competitions: selfexpression, talent, and evening gown.

Competing in this year's pageant were: Kate Alexander, Jamie Withers, Marcella Wilson, Isis Tiffany Soul Vereen. Nicole Scott, and Aretha Kent.

In the self-expression competition, each contestant dressed in an outfit that expressed an essential character and personality.

The talent competition showcased the contestants' power to captivate their audience with a wide range of musical numbers.

Elegance reigned in the evening gown competition. during which each contestant. was presented with a red rose by Miss Claudette Knight.

In addition to. Miss Cathy Craig, special guest performers included Big Mama, Twiggy, and Miss Gay Ohio Universe Nikki Summers.

The enthusiastic audience was filled with familiar faces, with special recognition going to Rena, everyone's favorite waitress at the Olympic.

Special awards were presented to Jamie Withers for winning the talent competition and for being selected Miss Congeniality.

While the contestants waited anxiously on stage, the decision: of the judges was announced. Second runner-up was, Kate Alexander. First runner-up was Jamie Withers. And voted Miss Gay Cleveland for 1980 was Marcella Wilson, who was crowned by Twiggy and wished much luck in the upcoming Miss: Gay Ohio Pageant.

Jamie Withers, 1st runner-up

Marcella, Miss Gay Cleveland

Twiggy and Lady Z

Marcella

Nicole Scott

Kate Alexander, 2nd runner-up

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PnUTUS BY BILL GERARD