Here he comes, 'Mr. Burnsville'

The winner of tonight's teen pageant at Burnsville High School will don a crown and a sash -- but don't count on an evening gown or long gloves.

This contest is just for the guys.

In a twist on the traditional pageants for young women, the student council will host its second annual "Mr. Burnsville" contest.

The 15 seniors who signed up to compete must prove their merit before a panel of judges that is expected to include the mayor of Burnsville. They'll demonstrate a talent, answer questions and dress in an outfit "that best describes them."

It's a light-hearted fundraiser in which one previous contestant dressed up as Napoleon Dynamite and another recited a poem to his girlfriend. Admission is $2 or two nonperishable food items, and proceeds will go to 360 Communities (formerly the Community Action Council).

The student council organized the pageant for the first time last year, adding it to a list of fundraisers that also includes winter poinsettia sales, said Mark Riggs, a Burnsville High teacher who advises the council.

"It was something different," he said of the idea, adding that the event is not meant as a spoof.

Among other things, contestants in this year's event will do a group dance to the pop hit "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and answer trivia questions about the history of Burnsville, Dunsmore said.

The reigning Mr. Burnsville, Joe Kennealy, is returning this year as a judge. He'll be watching for contestants who bring something unique to the stage, he said.

"Not everybody has it in them to be a Mr. Burnsville."