Traverse City Record-Eagle

Otsego County

July 16, 2009

'Sexy' knees, ankles flaunted at fest

BY LAURA WRIGHT

GAYLORD -- Caitlin Barney, of Big Bear Lake, Calif., has something in common with Gaylord resident James Scheer.

It isn't their age, gender or occupation -- it's their legs.

Barney and Scheer won the "sexiest" knee and ankle contests, among Wednesday's more quirky events at the 45th annual Alpenfest, which continues through Saturday in Gaylord.

"This may be a once-in-a-lifetime event, because I'm pretty sure no one else will ever vote me sexy knees," Scheer said.

The knee and ankle contests have been a part of the Alpenfest for about 25 years. This year's competition drew 77 women and 35 men. Ages in the men's contest ranged from nine months to 88 years.

"I have no idea how it started. I think it just seemed like a really fun thing to do," said Paul Beachnau, Alpenfest volunteer, and master of ceremonies for the women's event.

Categories in both the knee and ankle contests included fuzziest, hairiest, bumpiest, dirtiest and the coveted sexiest title.

"I was here last year and I flunked out on the knee contest, I didn't win anything," Barney said.

A member of the Young Americans, this is Barney's second year performing at the Alpenfest.

"I just love the community. I love seeing the families," Barney said. "I went to Germany last year and it's a lot like Germany. And I love the lederhosen."

Ankle and knee winners received a button, which stated the category in which they won.

"This is a small community," said Cheri Scheer, "most scarred ankles" designee and five-year Alpenfest volunteer. "You get to see people you never see, and talk to new people. I love to make people feel good."

Judges for this year's contest were 2009 Alpenfest Queen Heather Knouse and her two runners-up. Judges were bribed with songs, charm and Godiva chocolates.

"Almost everyone got an award, and they should if they can put their knees out there," said Janny Gates, event organizer.

The knee and ankle contests were some of several Wednesday events at the Alpenfest. Others included the World's Largest Coffee Break, the walking parade and a performance by the Young Americans.

"I entered the contest because it's just so much fun to be with the other girls," Cheri Scheer said. "No one cares what anyone thinks."

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