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The Hunky Ones Return

Easter in the Park

By Carl Fisher

April 30^th, 2022

Easter finery

After a few years hiatus, Easter festivities in Mission Delores Park were back with the Easter bonnet, Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus contests. It was fantastic to see the colorful menagerie that was unleashed upon the day and for the elements to be so cooperative. It was the first time in a while that I had seen so many people together in one place, and without masks. I was starting to remember what people actually looked like. It certainly made it easier to fully take people in (visually). Once again this year, I did not participate in the dress up, but there was plenty of inspiration for next year. It’s kind of like Halloween. It creeps up on me before I realize it and I am woefully prepared to put on a display. I was truly impressed by the effort of others, many of whom went above and beyond to stop people in their tracks.

Doing what it takes to push the product.

Foxy Marys

Not the biggest draw for me, but nice to see the ladies getting their time in the spotlight. What they lacked in numbers, they made up in enthusiasm.

From tops to bottoms

Fun for the whole fam

The day brought out all kinds of family, both chosen and otherwise. Many were fully prepared to make it a full day event, bringing blankets, chairs, bubbly, and bottomless munchies. And for those who encountered the unanticipated and needed a little extra support, EMT was on patrol.

It was hard to tell whether the furry lumps were pets or adornments.

The one day out of the year when wearing this outfit is unquestionably cool.

Furry Fun

It was a perfect opportunity to get your fur on. Who doesn’t like a furry bunny (or donkey)? No such outfits are in my closet, but if I had one, I would have blended in quite well.

Hunky Jesi

The Jesi were certainly not short on variety. Being fit and wearing little more than a loincloth is no longer a guarantee of success. One needs a fab outfit, a hook, and some panache with the crowd. Say Gay, Chunky, Peeps, Mathew McConaughey on a pogo stick, Jesus Johnson, were all valiant efforts, but none of them were the final chosen one.

Jesus as a Black Woman

Much to the surprise of many, a black woman ended up winning the Hunky Jesus contest. I’m sure it was a first. It did give the winner a platform to encourage the crowd to continue pursing social justice. It was a bit like preaching to the choir, but the event does get a lot of exposure and not just of bodily variety. The possibilities for who next year’s winner will be are beyond my imagining. I’m sure whatever visual wonders the event brings will not disappoint.