Golden Years pageant evokes plenty of smiles

SANDY — Laugh lines and character were the beauty markers during the 11th annual Mr. and Mrs. Golden Years Pageant, where the stroll included wheelchairs, canes and walkers.

The pageant, held at the South Towne Exposition Center Sunday, kicked off the Utah Health Care Association's annual conference.

Twenty contestants from various long-term care facilities in the state competed for the crown. Deb Burcombe, UHCA deputy director, started the pageant with a request.

"I want you to make so much noise they call the cops," she urged the audience.

The contestants were introduced by name, former occupation and greatest achievement as their fans cheered. Some were former police officers, medics, teachers, dancers, artists and more. Some of their greatest achievements were raising 500 chickens, making 105 afghans and rearing children.

Burcombe asked each one to offer some advice for young people.

Some of the responses were "Be true to self," "Don't worry about tomorrow," "Don't do drugs," "Believe in yourselves." Most agreed that children should listen to their parents.

One contestant, Donna Carlson, said youths of today need a "rah" or cheer. However, it sounded like "bra." The audience laughed as Burcombe did a double take.

Burcombe then asked the contestants, "If you could take anyone to lunch, living or dead, who would you take and where would you go?"

Archie Christensen said he'd be "glad to take any of these beautiful ladies here" to lunch.

One contestant had big lunch dreams. "I want to go to lunch with the president of the Mormon church, the pope, and Mr. and Mrs. Bush," said Franklin Rowe.

Talk of lunch came to an end and soon it was time to decide on the contest's royalty. The crowd erupted as the reigning royalty, Lois Baker and Gaylen Larsen, crossed the stage and waved, ready to pass on their crowns.

Kay McDonald of Crossland Rehabilitation was announced as the new queen.

"I'm totally surprised. It's amazing to brag, 'I'm the queen of the old people,"' she laughed.

Archie Christensen of Millard County Care and Rehabilitation was voted as king. "I think it's pretty wonderful," he said.

The king and the queen left the stage into a crowd of their well-wishers, holding their scepters of chocolates and flowers, to rule Utah seniors for a year.

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E-mail: lwilde@desnews.com

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