Tina Burner, as Miss Fire Island, winning $1,200, as well as a crown and trophy; Sugga Pie Koko, as Entertainer of the Year, winning $800; and Vanessa Diamond, as Ms. Fire Island, winning $300, were the top winners of Miss Fire Island 2018, held at Grove Hotel and Ice Palace on September 8. It started out a cool and somewhat rain-free afternoon for the Miss Fire Island Pageant. This year’s contestants not only awed us with their stunning gowns, but also kept the crowd truly entertained with top-rate acts. As the evening progressed, the crowd showed the contestants their appreciation with cheers, applause and laughter.
Runners up to Miss Fire Island were Jizzabella, as Miss Cherry Grove, winning $500, and Lady SinAGaga, as Miss Ice Palace, winning $150. The runner up to Ms. Fire Island was Misty Mountain Davenport, as Ms. Cherry Grove, winning $150. Winning additional prizes were Tammy Spanx, running for Entertainer of the Year, taking home the Judges Award of $150; Honey Davenport, also vying for Entertainer, deemed Most Popular and winning $200; Androgyny, winning the Absolut Sponsor Award of $100; and Detoxx Busti-Ae, winning the Coors Light Sponsor Award of $100.
Special awards were bestowed upon George Roth for ‘50 years of Rita George at Miss Fire Island, Ice Palace and Cherry Grove,’ and Maria Elena Passaretti for 20 years of service as a contest coordinator.
Judges were Sal Piro, as Head Judge; Gregg Giannillo; Holly Dae; this writer, Mr. Fire Island Leather 2018; Walter Kowalsky; Rita George, Miss Fire Island 1969; Mike Fisher; and, as Tally Judge, Dennis McConkey. Hosting the pageant were Ariel Sinclair, Logan Hardcore, and Porsche. Responsible for music, lights, and sound were Chuck McTague and Richard D. Kennedy.
Additional contestants were Countess Mascara, China, Kara Sucia, Clarice DuBois, and Victoria Falls, contenders for Miss Fire Island; Angela Saxon, Billy Little, Olivia London, Delfina Best, Lailah Lancing, and Dixie Normous, trying for recognition as Entertainer of the Year; and Anna Michaels and Davida Jones, running for Ms. Fire Island.
Brian Hull sang the Star Spangled Banner and Johnny Savoy's Ballad of Miss Fire Island.