Monday, June 27, 2022

Miss Spring Jamboree


(photo by Ken Marcus Studios)

I cannot believe I forgot to blog about this! I know readership (and engagement) is non-existent in the blog-o-sphere, but for those few that prefer to sit down and read leisurely and possibly for my own record, I am blogging about this now - months after. Social media has become so instant and "in real time" it's almost pointless to blog about something that happened a mere 2 months ago, but I think everyone involved should be congratulated in anyway possible.


This past May, the Miss Spring Jamboree Pinup Pageant made its debut at the annual Spring Jamboree in Boulder City, NV! Nine pinups took to the stage to showcase their beauty, talent, and intelligence in front of an audience of friends, family, and strangers! This was the first of its kind event at the 45 year tradition and was more than well received by the city itself and the townsfolk. So much so they are excited to have us return next year and it is now an official highlighted event of the Spring Jamboree!


L-R Brittany Calaveraa, Yzma Mind, Jill de Ville, NanciByrd, Lady M, Lola Sunflower, Abby Dandy, Miss Cactus Blossom, Pony Poison (photo by Ken Marcus Studios)


I selfishly created this event for more stage time. I mean who gets more stage time than the host, right? I used what I had learned from hosting the original Miss Symco contest about 10 years ago as well as what I had learned observing other pinup contests and put together a small, but exciting event. It was a challenge, being its first year, but overall I was happy with the outcome of the pageant. There may be a few small changes next year, but overall the format will stay the same.

(photo by Ken Marcus Studios)

It was wonderful to see familiar faces from the pinup scene return as well as meet new faces. My heart was filled knowing that each one of these gals put in effort and cared for this pageant as much as I did!

The first round introduced all the pinups to the judges and crowd as they showcased their hair, makeup, fashion, and poses. This year's themes were "Spring" and "Boulder City".  The pinups were striking in their spring and pinup beauty! Everyone looked so put together and beautiful! It is for this very reason that I decided to create and host this event rather than compete in one! (I'm a terrible loser.)

(photos by Ken Marcus Studios)

Round two had each pinup returning to the stage and showcasing a talent and entertaining all whose eyes were on them. This was my favorite round by far -- the variety of talent exceeded anything I could have hoped for! We had comedians, a magician, singers, actresses, a fire eater, and a demonstration on krav maga! Quite honestly, I was afraid that having a talent portion would scare off potential pinups, but having seen what those that entered brought to the stage, I am glad I kept this portion in!


(photos by Ken Marcus Studios)

The final round had each of the pinups answering a randomly chosen question. While they were given the questions a week before to review, they didn't know which question they would receive in that moment. The questions were either simplistic and fun or in need of a more in depth answer. Two highlights from this round included the first pinup receiving the "Wild Card" question -- a question I made up right on the spot... when I say, she NAILED the answer... instead of given a cutesy quick answer, she went in hard! It was amazing! Secondly, one of our pinups answered with an emotional moment about the passing of her father last year. I don't think there was a dry eye anywhere! While those were two highlights, everyone answered with confidence and that made it quite hard for the judges!

Speaking of the judges. I do not know how I am going to top these judges next year!! Representing Round One, the Pinup portion was none other than Miss Viva Las Vegas 2017, Ginger Watson! Not only is Ginger a top pinup, she is also undefeated! Every contest she has competed in she has won! Having won the biggest Pinup Contest out there, she definitely was a judge I NEEDED to have. Representing Round Two, the Talent portion is MTV Music Video Award recipient, producer, and professional dancer and performer, Tina Cione. Lastly, representing Round Three, the Q&A portion was Lexi Lagan an Olympic Champion and Boulder City resident. Now you understand how next year is going to be tough to find judges! How do I top (or even match) a Pinup Queen, MTV Music Video Award winner, and an Olympic medalist? I'm going to need an Emmy winner, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and an astronaut! 

L-R Tina Cione, Ginger Watson, Lexi Lagan


Before I knew it, I was announcing the winners!

3rd Place - Jill de Ville
2nd Place - Abby Dandy
Miss Spring Jamboree - NanciByrd

L-R Abby Dandy (2nd), NanciByrd (Miss Spring Jamboree), and Jill de Ville (3rd)
L-R Abby Dandy (2nd), NanciByrd (Miss Spring Jamboree), and Jill de Ville (3rd) (photo by Ken Marcus Studios)

After a joyous (and stressful for me) event, we all dispersed and enjoyed the rest of the Spring Jamboree.






(photos by Ken Marcus Studios)


The Boulder City Chamber of Commerce presented me with the Special Recognition Award of 2022 at their annual installation and awards for creating the Miss Spring Jamboree! It was an unexpected honor and one I couldn't have done without the Pinups who entered the contest. It was their charm that won everyone over and made the Pageant a success!







I can't end this post without thanking this year's sponsors. First year anythings are the hardest to find people to help support you. It's when you need it most, yet have the hardest time finding. My biggest thank yous go to A&W Boulder City, The Law Offices of Robert B Katz and Associates, and Vegas Pinup Shoots (for providing the winner with a photoshoot)!





Here is to making next year even better!

xoxo
~Lolita



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