Community Corner
Sisterhood of the Oktoberfest Frock: Miss La Mesas Share Traditional Outfit
With adjustable straps and buttons, the dress has fit every girl since the late 1970s. The footwear is a little more challenging.
As Miss La Mesa 2011, this is Katie Martin’s first time doing the chicken dance at the 38th annual Oktoberfest―but the costume she’ll be wearing has been doing it for at least 30 years.
“We don’t really know who made it and when,” said pageant director Alex Kuty of the hand-sewn frock that has taken on a life reminiscent of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
What they do know is that former pageant director Pam Wilson arrived on the scene in the early ’80s and the dress was already there.
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Kuty says the outfit at one time may have had a variety of blouses and skirts to choose from. But what remains is a blue skirt, a flower underskirt, a black velvet vest and a white blouse―much of the outfit was revamped in 2008 by Robin Melancon of Gypsy Treasures.
With adjustable straps and buttons, the dress has fit every girl. The footwear is a little more challenging. Kuty says each year they encourage Miss La Mesa to wear comfortable shoes for the event, but they always show up in heels.
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“After they get a couple of blisters on their feet at the end of the first night they show up in flats the next day,” she said.
In honor of the city of La Mesa’s centennial next year, Kuty is looking for all former Miss La Mesas. She can be reached at 619-698-4163 or MissLaMesaPageant@yahoo.com.
