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Hunky J day

An Easter Tradition

By Carl Fisher

April 5^th, 2018

bedazzling gathering

Once again it was that time of year. Time for multiple layers of clothing to be shed in favor of much lighter attire and for some real color to come out and play. Easter had arrived in Golden Gate Park and the bonnets were on full display. While the many variations on headgear were quite attractive, the main draw was the Hunky Jesus contest put on annually by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

bonnet bountiful

While I made do with a rather plain hat, many had gone to significant lengths to do their bonnets up right.

people on parade

The stage is where much of the entertainment could be found, but many of the attendees themselves were just as likely to provide eye candy.

mary and the j men

Following the Foxy Mary contest, which was surprisingly brief, the main event commenced. It was Hunky Jesus time. There certainly was no shortage of contestants vying for the highly coveted title with there being at least four groups that traipsed onto the stage to be eliminated or move on to the next round. Based on the name alone, you'd think that having a nice bod and wearing a slinky loin cloth would be enough, but in recent years a significant amount of creativity has been essential to win over the discerning crowd and take home the crown. You need not just a catchy name, but the ability to engage in witty banter and some sort of schtick. Sweet Jesus (I can only imagine how many calories his lollipop contained), Miracle Jesus (turning water into wine (or at least a red liquid from clear)), and Disco Jesus (perhaps a little too tweaked out) were in the running, but this year's winner was Puerto Rican Refujesus. The name alone gave them a significant edge, but their theme was very much in tune with recent events. The throwing of paper towels into the audience (as per an orange, former TV celebrity who is now in over his head) was enough to make the crowd swoon and assure victory.

Could be thornier, but it would have to do.

more eye catching displays

There was no shortage of sights to train my camera on. As reluctant as I am to approach people and request permission to take their picture, many folks in attendance were practically screaming to have the photo taken. And I was happy to oblige.