Possum Queen Contest returns Jan. 1

The tongue-in-cheek beauty pageant is described as “a wacky fundraiser” for local families who are experiencing extended medical hardships. The Possum Queen Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation which has raised more than $300,000 over the years.

LITCHFIELD — The 28th Annual Possum Queen Contest returns to the Litchfield Inn on Monday, Jan. 1, welcoming guests starting at noon for an afternoon of fun, music and merriment.

The tongue-in-cheek beauty pageant is described as “a wacky fundraiser” for local families who are experiencing extended medical hardships.

The Possum Queen Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation which has raised more than $300,000 over the years. All donations are tax deductible.

Since its founding, the Possum Queen Contest has evolved from a gathering of friends at Wicket’s in Litchfield, moving to The Village Restaurant and settling to its home at the Litchfield Inn where it has been held for the last eight years.

Early arrival is always encouraged, giving guests a chance to visit the silent auction room and make their bids.

A live auction starts later in the day, and is accompanied by the “beauty contest” where teams, made up of families and friends, perform skits on stage, dressed in costume and presenting everything from their own version of musicals and movies to original shows.

Over the years, groups have presented skits on everything from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Batman” and everything in between.

The contest is also an opportunity for participants to bribe the judges, which is strongly encouraged, but doesn’t guarantee a win.

Auction Items are now being accepted; to make a donation, email the contest’s auction coordinator at pbuonocore01@snet.net Auction items are far-reaching. For the music lovers, prizes include performances by four local bands who are offering their talents, including Ian Campbell, Kenn Morr, RPM, and Jeff Connelly.

For foodies, prizes include a dinner for six from a famed New York City chef at his home in Milton; a dinner at the Litchfield Inn with the Possum Queen semi-celebrities serving as waiters and waitresses, and lunch at the Mayflower Grace in Washington.

The Warner Theater is donating two tickets to 12 events throughout the year.

There are a pair of tickets to the Newport Jazz Festival, a weekend at a beach-side house in Rhode Island, a chance to be an FM DJ on WZBG inn Torrington, collectibles and much more.

One of the most popular items up for bid is the can of possum stew.

In 2017, the Possum Queen Contest raised more than $70,000 in one day.

“This year our needs are greater as we have more people who we want to help,” event organizers said.

“We help people year-round now, and there are many of your neighbors in need.”

For information, contact possumcoach21@gmail.com