Skip to content

Beach-ready bodies set for Penticton contest

Mr. Muscle and Miss Bikini event hits the sand in Penticton at Skaha Beach this weekend
66088penticton0808MrMuscle
A competitor from last year’s Mr. Muscle contest in Penticton flexes for the judges.

For 30 years, beach-ready bodies have hit the hot sand at Skaha Beach to show off their physiques, and all for a good cause.

The annual Mr. Muscle and Miss Bikini contest, presented by Parkers Chrysler this Sunday, raises money for the Junior Chamber International Summer Day Camps for Kids, a program operated through the Penticton community centre.

“We raise thousands of dollars every year for the kids camps and this is by far our biggest fundraiser we hold. We are hoping to see about 2,000 people there this weekend,” said Monica Horning, JCI Penticton vice president. “It is just such a great cause and all for the kids so we want everyone to come out and have a good time.”

In addition to sculpted bodies competing for cash prizes, the event also features DJ’s spinning music, a beverage garden, food vendors (Barnyard Pitas and Burger 55), a dunk tank and a feats of strength competition.

“It will be sponsored by the new cross fit company in Penticton called Beach City Cross Fit and it is basically a strong man/woman event. There will be different tasks like lifting heavy barrels full of water, pulling tires and lifting giant tires. It should start around 3 p.m., depending on how many participants there are,” said Horning.

As for the Mr. Muscle and Miss Bikini event, Horning said this is the first year they used a pre-registration on their new website.

She said they already have seven Miss Bikini competitors signed up and two for Mr. Muscle, and expects more sign up the day of the event.

Providing music for the beach party are DJ Arise, DJ Big-E and Dee Bass.

The JCI Summer Day Camps for Kids has operated for over 25 years and JCI Penticton has sponsored it since 1994.

The camps are operated through the Penticton Community Centre for children ages six to 12 years throughout July and August. The program aims to both assist working parents who need care for their children and to provide a fun and exciting experience for kids looking to do something different during their summer vacation.

Camp staff include secondary and post-secondary school students who are keen on working with kids and demonstrate they are the most creative, energetic and caring youth around — exactly the type of young leaders JCI Penticton wants to support.

JCI Penticton is also part of many other events and programs in the community including Speed Networking which raised money for two dinners at the Penticton Soupateria, a Murder Mystery party at Bogner’s as a fundraiser for the Penticton Hospital and they raised money for the summer day camps at Fest of Ale by selling water.

Those wanting to see if they are hunky enough to win the Mr. Muscle contest or want to strut their stuff in their bikini have an opportunity to win $500 if they take first place, $300 for second or $200 for third place.

Last year’s Miss Bikini was Summerland’s Nikita Kiceluk, while Kelowna’s Jared Kittlitz took the Mr. Muscle title.

Tickets are $15 at the gate (must be 19 years old) and $5 off coupons can be picked up at Parkers Chrysler, The Bumwrap and The Mule Nighclub prior to the event.

The beach theme after-party will be held at The Mule. The Mr. Muscle and Miss Bikini beach party starts at noon and will go until 8 p.m. Volunteers are still needed, for more info visit www.musclebikini.com.