Pageants, such as the Miss Corolla pageant, are annual events at Alabama with storied traditions. Until now, the pageants in Tuscaloosa have almost always been for women only.

This Sunday, at the Bryant Conference Center, a new pageant will show off the dance skills, talents, smarts and swimwear of the other half of the student body. Men from across campus will compete for the title of Mr. Esquire.

National Council of Negro Women historian and student Kyle Frazier brought up the idea to bring a male pageant to the University of Alabama after attending one in high school to support a friend.

“I noticed that there was nothing like this on our campus, so I thought this would be a great event for NCNW to make [as] their signature event,” Frazier said.

Rebecca Harkless, another student who is involved with NCNW, said the Student Government Association had also decided to do a pageant, to be called Mr. Crimson, so the two groups decided it would be best to join forces.

“The National Council of Negro Women is implementing much of the pageant planning, and SGA is supporting with sponsorship, PR and also some logistical considerations,” said Lisa Elizondo, the SGA director of engagement. “I am looking forward to seeing many diverse groups come together for an evening of lighthearted fun and camaraderie among students.”

At the spring Get on Board Day, NCNW passed out flyers about the pageant. The NCNW twitter, @NCNW_UA, has also been tweeting about the pageant, and flyers have been hanging all over campus. Interested men attended one of two interest meetings to get more information. The contestants submitted applications and had an interview with the committee.

“Students should expect to be thoroughly entertained. The guys have been working really hard to win the title of Mr. Esquire,” Harkless said.

Harkless is not the only one with big expectations.

“Students can expect a show if they attend the pageant,” Frazier said.

Contestants are judged on five categories: swimwear, date night, talent, question and answer and the opening dance number.

[IF YOU GO]

What: Mr. Esquire Pageant

When: Sunday at 6 p.m.

Where: Rast Room of the Bryant Conference Center

Cost: $3 for students and $5 for non-students before the pageant and $5 at the door