Eight Waitaki Valley men got in touch with their feminine side on Saturday night, swapping their Swanndris and gumboots for ball gowns and high heels for the Miss Waitaki Valley beauty pageant.
The event was organised by Waitaki Valley Friends of the School Committee as a fundraiser for the refurbishment of the Kurow Community Library.
Secretary Odelle Hawkins said an estimated $20,000 was raised, through ticket sales and an auction.
Mrs Hawkins said as well as being a thoroughly entertaining evening, the event showcased local talent and proved a midwinter tonic for the town.
The eight men, who adopted stage names to protect their identities, were put through their paces on Saturday night, performing an opening dance number before taking part in sections which included evening wear, performing a talent spot and live question-and-answer sessions.
The competition concluded with a performance of YMCA by all contestants.
Awards were handed out in three sections: People's choice, Miss Congeniality and Miss Waitaki Valley 2014.
Miss Gary Hawkins Earthmoving (Sheneeda Digga) was crowned Miss Waitaki Valley 2014, while Miss Lonestar Farms (Ivana Humpalot) was named Miss Congeniality.
People's choice went to Miss Campbells Butchery (Cindy Hotdog).
Other entertainment on the night included live music from Chantilly and dancing by Mike Birnie and Madeline Biberstein, who had been tutoring the eight men in preparation for the event.
Mrs Hawkins said the committee and the contestants had met at least once a week for three months in the lead-up to the event.
''It was a huge commitment from all of them,'' she said.
''When we first came up with the idea to what we produced on Saturday night - we're all so proud.''
The Waitaki Valley Friends of the School Committee was ''thrilled'' with the turnout and the support from the local community.
