MARYSVILLE — The Strawberry Festival fashion show featured outfits from local vendors that could be worn anywhere from the beach to the street or to a special occasion.
Models of all ages from the Marysville area of donned outfits from sponsors like Wal-Mart, Banana Republic, Ellen Tracy and Kohl’s for the approval of the roughly 100 community members who turned out for the show and lunch at Leifer Manor June 16.
Turnout was modest compared to past years, but organizers cited the economy and said they were pleased with this year’s showing.
“We had a lot of sponsors show up as well as donating,” said fashion show committee chair Kerri Jorgensen, who also emceed the event. “It’s just to focus on the local businesses and promote the businesses that help the festival in other ways.”
The business and community members who watched the show dined on chicken cashew salad croissants and a Mediterranean chicken sandwich provided by Venetti’s Catering. Happy Cakes put strawberry cupcakes on each table.
Marysville resident April Badgley wore several pieces by Ellen Tracy, which earned rave reviews from the model and her friends.
“Those outfits were gorgeous,” she said, adding that one thing that brought her back for her third fashion show as a model was the camaraderie between the models in the changing room. “It’s fun, a real pick-me-up. You end up smiling at the end of the show.”
More than one first-time model featured in the show came from the Marysville-Pilchuck School of Communication. Six students from the high school’s smaller learning community struck a pose at Leifer Manor.
A member of the Tomahawk football team on which he’ll be a senior this fall, J.J. Gamalinda’s boisterous personality gave him plenty of confidence as he made his modeling debut as the first model down the catwalk.
“I always find a way to entertain people,” he said. “I’m not afraid to be myself and I guess that’s how I ended up here.”
Echoing the good time had by all, Gamalinda added, “I would love to do this next year.”
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