Our pic this time is of Larry Edwards, known in drag circles as the legendary Hot Chocolate, being presented with a key to the city he calls home, Las Vegas, for his contributions to the area as an entertainer and for his role in the movie “Miss Congeniality 2.” Known by some as Proud Larry, Edwards and N.C. entertainer Coti Collins were just in LA making a presentation to a group of investors who’d like to put a LaCage show near the Kodak Theatre. Pretty impressive, huh? Well, they both have plenty of experience, for sure. As we go to press, tickets for the 26th Annual Miss Continental contest are going on sale and by the time you read this it’ll be sold out, I’m sure. I spoke with pageant owner Jim Flint the other day and in addition to praising his current title-holder Erica Renee Andrews, he did tell me that they are seeking to take a Baton show on the road, with a pit stop in N.C., to help raise money for the Gay Olympics taking place in Chicago next summer. Hopefully some smart bar owner will sign on the dotted line — that would be a guaranteed packed house. Girls who have recently qualified to compete at this year’s Miss Continental include the new Miss AL Franchesque Richards, Enchanted Isle — Kristina Kelly, IL — Jocilyn Santana, Lucho’s — Samantha Chanel, Peach State — Savannah Leigh, Texas — Taryn Taylor, Virginia Icon — Dominique Chappelle, and Wisconsin — Jazmine Roberts.

The next big pageant quickly approaching is the National Entertainer of the Year and what a knock-down it will be this time. Recent qualifiers include Camille Simpson as Miss Missouri, LaWanda Jackson as Miss North Carolina, and Erika Norell won Miss Southern Florida. Throw those names in with Catia Lee Love and you’ve got a throw-down at the end of July in Louisville.

Since I mentioned Erica Andrews earlier, what perfect time to bring up the results of the Universal Show Queen, which she just relinquished in gorgeous Hawaii. The winner was Cassandra Colby, with runners-up Maddalynn Ashton, Kassondra K., and former Miss U.S.ofA. Raquel Lord.

Another contest which recently took place was Miss International PLUS over in TN; Dena Cass was giving it up and she crowned a Continental PLUS sister — Victoria Parker, who’s currently living in Nash-Thrill. Her RU was the Lady Ivana. The Pig won gown, talent, on-stage question and interview. Wow, still taking her broom wherever she goes, sweeping all the categories.

Several weeks ago, the 10th anniversary Queen City contests took place at Scorpio, thanks to Tracey Stephens, and here are the results: Mr. QC — Devon Dickerson Diamond and RU Terrell Davis; Mr. QC at Large — Adonis King and RU Gemini Walker; Miss QC — Triana Spaulding and RU Elise C. Snow; and Miss QC at Large — Malaysia Black with RU Tezra DeVore. Thanks to Tracey for bringing the Charlotte crowd entertainers such as the newly crowned Miss U.S.ofA. Tamisha Iman, former Miss U.S.ofA. and Continental PLUS Chevelle Brooks, former Miss Everything Sasha Valentino, as well as formers (or those giving up titles that night) like Tenisha Cassadine, Elaine Davis, Veronica Stephens, Kysha Wellington, the current Miss Gay Classique P. Jazzmyne Darnell, our Miss NC FFI Mysha Paris, Cedric, and Armon Brooks.

We have results from so many other local contests as well, like Miss Tri-Cities FFI which Brooke Devine won, with RU Keiana Lane; Tia Chanella who won Miss Gemini, a part of the Zodiac contest up in WV; Beverly Iman Johnson won Miss Charlotte FFI with RU Riva Iman Black and Felicia Monet winning gown; Miss Legends which Raven Simone won with RU Elaine Natasha Davis; Miss CC’s Breyanna Allure with RU Aeriel Knight-Addams; and Ashley Adams won Miss Virginia in the United States system with RU Jessica Jade.

Congrats to local girlfriend Sierra Santana who recently completed a two-week run of Psycho Beach Party at Spirit Square in the Duke Power Theatre as drag vixen Bettina Barnes. This is a role she did last year in a smaller venue and won the Best Theatre Newcomer award. In fact, she’s already been asked to host the next one. All right for some exposure in legitimate show business, sister.

In closing, I also wanted to congratulate former Miss Continental Danielle Hunter on her recent trip to Venezuela as part of a huge celebration they had there in conjunction with Sprite (yes, the soda)…turns out a bunch of kids had seen the Continental tapes, and lived for her, and asked the company to bring her. She and hubby Johnny were flown down for a couple weeks and she had rehearsals for a grande production and everything. How fabulous.