Do you know someone who just lights up the room when they enter? Are they incredibly comfortable in front of large crowds and excel at public speaking?
Enter them, obviously with their consent, in the 8th annual Mr. Amagansett Pageant. On Saturday, February 11th, the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett will turn into Pageant central as a group of worthy East Enders contenders vie for bragging rights and the highly coveted clam rake “trophy”.
“We’re really looking forward to it. It’s going to be great,” shared Nick Kraus, owner of the Stephen Talkhouse. “It’s always funny – I mean people are laughing the whole entire time.”
Along with showcasing the Hamptons’ finest, proceeds from Mr. Amagansett will support several worthy causes. “We’ve been doing this for 8 years. It provides scholarships for local students and also donates money to the Wounded Warrior Project,” noted Kraus. “It’s in honor of Don Sharkey, who was a legend in East Hampton for many years. He was our town building inspector and also frequented many drinking establishments over the years, including the Stephen Talkhouse.”
As with any pageant, participants must come up with an unforgettable presentation that will highly impress and entertain the crowd. “Contestants can do anything,” he explained. “So you can do a dance, you can sing a song, you can do a skit. I do a video every year. So whatever you can bring to the table, bring it on.”
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The laughs will be endless for spectators. (Courtesy Photo) |
The charitable aspect of the contest makes people really go all out when they get their time in the spotlight. “It’s a great event for a great cause and people just sort of make fools of themselves, quite frankly,” he joked.
Kraus, who took home the title in 2013, expects to once again beat out the fierce competition for the top honor. “I expect to win again,” he told us. “I’m told I’m not allowed to win more than once, but I keep trying.”
While the title may make it seem like the contest is only open to those who reside in Amagansett, it’s actually open to all local community members – so start planning your epic performance now!
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the Pageant begins at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is $20.
The Donald T. Sharkey Memorial Community Fund (www.donsharkeyfund.org) supports the East End community “by contributing the local fire departments, helping individuals pay medical bills, providing scholarship opportunities for local students, providing Summer camp for local children and supporting other local charities.” Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), a nonprofit 501 organization, aids wounded veterans by providing an assortment of programs, services and events.
Stephen Talkhouse is located at 161 Main Street in Amagansett. For more information, call 631-267-3117 or visit stephentalkhouse.com.
