PHOTOESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 5, 2016

The happy sound of adult laughter filled Freeland Hall on Saturday, Oct. 1, in anticipation of the 11th annual Mr. South Whidbey contest. This major fundraiser supports Friends of Friends, a medical support lifeline assisting with unexpected or unaffordable provider and pharmacy bills for residents of Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, and Clinton. Friends of Friends has raised over one million dollars since inception in 1997. For more information about the organization, visit Friends of Friends.

At Saturday’s event, once the lights were dimmed, each contestant made his spotlight entry dressed in a costume appropriate to Whidbey Island.

Alex Bonesteel wore his kilt and played his fiddle.

Kevin Lungren stripped from his slicker and waders to boxer shorts, adding a touch of informality to his tuxedo. 

Hair-apparent Michael Morgen established his claim to the throne from the very start. 

Michael Morgen 

Contestants air their manliness in anticipation of the “Q and A” segment of the show. 

When asked by MC Sue Frause, “Will you be watching the election returns November 8, and what you will you be eating?” Alex succinctly answered, “No.” 

Trevor Fleming responds that the last meal he prepared for a woman was Ramen noodles. 

Kevin shares a gin and tonic with MC Sue Frause. 

During intermission, previous contestants circulate, carrying cardboard boxes with plastic cups, each representing a different contestant. Spectators empty their pockets of spare change in support of their favorite. Because this charity doesn’t waste money on frills, the ratio is simple: each dollar equals one vote. Almost $29,000 flowed into the coffers during the course of the event.

Rocco Gianni empties a cup into a coffee can at the tabulation table.

After the interviews, the talent show allowed contestants to exhibit their abilities.

Alex is a virtuoso violinist and owns a fitness and nutrition studio.  

Alex demonstrated his athleticism and musical talent. 

Trevor Fleming did a dance number accompanied by his backup performers 

Trevor Fleming

Oyster-Man, AKA Kevin Lungren, shucked and ate an oyster to music, and then he caught some big fish.

Oyster-Man, AKA Kevin Lungren.

David Mayer’s riffs rival the top rock stars. 

Michael Morgen “added some class” by singing like Sinatra…  

and then doing a partial-monty. 

Kevin Lungren is crowned Mr. South Whidbey by Barb Schultz. 

Kevin holds his trophy high as he travels the runway towards his trophy wife Mary-Jane. 

David Welton is a Whidbey Island photographer who credits his grandmother’s travel slide shows and her gift to him of a Kodak Starflash camera for his interest in photographic art. His goal to use his photographs to inspire others to realize their unrecognized potential. To learn more about Welton, visit David Welton.

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