Minn. festival putting on 'Mr. Waseca Pageant'

Organizers of a Waseca festival have decided pageants aren't just for the ladies, so they came up with The Mr. Waseca Pageant.

The pageant at the Sleigh and Cutter festival will be like the ones females go through, including formal wear, fitness and talent competitions and onstage questions, according to The Free Press.

Katie Schroeder, Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter, and Sadie Oderbrett, Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter Outstanding Teen, came up with the idea.

"Once you get on stage, it's nerve wracking," Schroeder said. "We thought it'd be fun to ask them the kinds of questions we get asked, such as, 'What does beauty mean to you?' "

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Shining a light on the rigors of competitive pageantry is part of it, but Schroeder says the main goal is to put on a fun event during the community's signature annual event.

They also hope it will help them raise money for charity required to participate in other pageants.

They've corralled eight competitors so far, with the youngest still at high school. Each competitor pays a $25 fee. There may also be a raffle and silent auction. Mr. Waseca is scheduled for Feb. 22.

---

Information from: The Free Press