The fifth annual Miss Grand Marquise Pageant is set to take place on Sunday, March 30, at 8 p.m. at Play Dance Bar, 1519 Church Street in Nashville. The pageant honors female impersonation and awards the title of Miss Grand Marquise each year to the contestant who best performs best overall.

What makes the pageant unique from other similar pageants is the winner is determined by a percentage of the overall score  in each division (evening gown is the highest of the scores and talent comes second, etc.).

All together the contestant must get as close to 100 percent of the score to win. The winner of the Miss Grand Marquise will receive $500 cash, the Marquise Crown, a designer jewelry set and the honor of having the Miss Grand Marquise title. Previous winners include Miss Mya Campbell (2007 winner), Domanique Shappelle, Victory Parker and Austria Andrews.

This year the pageant will also honor a member of the GLBT community for their Lifetime Achievement in the field of female impersonation. The board has selected Miss Stephanie Wells as this year’s recipient. This marks Wells’ 25th year performing for many of the night clubs in Nashville. Other winner of the Lifetime Achievements honor are Carmella Marcella Garcia (2004), Rita Ross (2005), Bianca Paige (2006) and Pat Blaylock (2007).

To help mark the fifth Anniversary of the pageant, the first ever Mr. Grand Marquise will be added to the mix. Any man, gay or straight, is invited to contend for the title. It too will consist of four categories:  presentation, swim wear, formal wear and a question and answer. The winner will receive $500 cash, the Mr. Grand Marquise Crown and Mr. Grand Marquise Award.

This year’s show will be hosted by drag legends Carmella Marcella Garcia and Charlie Brown. Special guests will be Nicole Ellington Dupree and Miss Mya Campbell.

Show time will start promptly at 8 p.m. All contestants must have the entry fees in by March 29. Contact Bud East at 615-977-4830 for any additional information about the pageant or pick up an application packet at Tribe or PLAY.

“This is one of the best pageants in Nashville. Here is where you will see beauty and elegance become one...just like the marquise cut diamond,” says Pageant Director East.