'Beaufort Beauties' is back for six causes (update: Sassy Brown takes the crown)

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Update June 19: Despite that earlier scuffle The Island Packet was out to see some drag for a cause on Saturday night.

Reporter Juliann Vachon (real female) was there and has the account of the talent and beauty throwdown that yielded Miss Sassy Brown (not real female, aka Stephen Murray of New South Shirts)  the title.

Take a read of Vachon's account here.

First reporting: We all know Beaufort is a bit on the less socially conservative side of South Carolina; still, it is surprising to see the community so fully embrace an event that effectively puts many of our more renowned locals in drag.

I suppose when it's for six local nonprofits, you get a pass.

Main Street Beaufort is partnering with 10 local men "to put their best 'heel' forward" by dressing as women to compete in a beauty pageant with two parts: "Evening Gowns" and "Talent."

It will be held at the Dataw Island Club on June 18, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $30.00 each and can be purchased from Main Street Beaufort. (843) 525-6644 or 101 West Street downtown.

The brave ten: Patrick McMichael from Broad River Construction, Christopher Hewitt from Southern Graces, Michael Rainey from Michael Rainey Antiques, Trey Ambrose from Pro Slab Concrete, Stephen Murray from New South Shirts, Kendall Erickson from Robinson Grant, Randall Burch from Lowcountry Winery, Dan Byrne form Burton Fire Department, Karl Wells from 104.9 The Surf, and Lee Levesque from Lady's Island/St. Helena Fire Department.

The event is to be hosted by former Saturday Night Live Alum Terry Sweeney, as 'Lucinda Ravenel.' 

Supported will be Main Street Beaufort, Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort, Beaufort Film Society, Zonta Club of Beaufort, and Senior Services of the Lowcountry.