PORT TOWNSEND — The Rhododendron Festival may be over for the year — but the fun isn’t.
Some 21 men will dress up and dance in dresses, boas and wigs for tips Saturday to raise scholarship money for Rhododendron Festival royalty.
The second annual “Dude Looks Like a Lady” is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St.
Audience members will vote for their favorite models with their donations, and the model collecting the most money will be crowned the winner at the end of the evening.
Other prizes also will be awarded, said Melanie Bozak, organizer of the “Dude” show who also will serve as master of ceremonies.
$5,500 goal
The fundraiser’s goal is to raise $5,500 in college money for the Rhody queen and princesses.
The Rhody Festival was financially challenged before its 76th edition, which ended last weekend in Port Townsend.
Among the shortfalls was a total of $7,500 for scholarships, $4,000 for past scholarships and $3,500 for the 2011 royal court, Bozak said.
Festival organizers have received some $2,000 in community donations specifically for royalty scholarships, which are promised to those who run for the honor, Bozak said.
Queens receive $1,500 scholarships, while princesses are given $1,000 for college.
This year, the royal court was Queen Emma King and Princesses Carley Lundgren and Abigail Green.
Money raised for scholarships will be set aside into a separate fund to be used only for that purpose, Bozak emphasized.
The inaugural show in 2010 drew about 150 to cheer on the dancers and tip them for their effort.
“I think we’re going to have a lot more than that” at Saturday’s show, Bozak said, especially considering the diverse group of men volunteering their charms to a worthy cause.
Night’s lineup
Among the lineup are five firefighters, four from Jefferson Healthcare hospital — “a couple are doctors,” Bozak said — and a variety of businessmen, including volunteers from one of the sponsors, Port Townsend Paper Corp.
Bozak’s husband, Steve, will go as a queen, he said.
The Bozaks were the senior royalty in this year’s Rhody Festival. Steve is planning to wear Melanie’s tiara when he dances Saturday, she said.
Other “dudes” currently scheduled to perform are Corey Asbell, Ralph Hutchinson, Scott Junkin, Mark Cole, Stuart Macrae, Jack Cooley, Ryan McAllister, Todd Pierce, Mickey Davis, Ryan Ramos, Steve Grimm, Steve Spencer, Roger Hall, Phillip Watness — a freelance writer who contributes to the Peninsula Daily News — Jason Hollingsworth, Larry Weathersby, Vern Howard, Peter Yelaca, Derrack Epperson and Richard Wojt.
Goodwill donated clothing for the event. In addition to Goodwill and Port Townsend Paper, other sponsors are the Port Townsend Elks Lodge and SOS Printing.
Some 20 to 25 other businesses have donated items for door prizes, Bozak said.
Music will be performed by Shady Grove, The Standbys, David & Mary Crozier and Rita Hubbard.
Tickets are available at Maricee Fashions, 913 Water St.; Lehani’s Deli and Coffee, 221 Taylor St.; and Subway, 1300 Water St.
Pre-event tickets are $5 per person. At the door, individual tickets will be $8. A family pack costs $20 in advance compared with $30 at the door.
For more information, to buy tickets or to provide raffle prizes, phone the Bozaks at 360-385-4871, Hutchinson at 360-379-8165, Spencer at 360-774-0879 or Heather Longcrier at 360-379-5541.
