22-Year-Old 'Genuine Yooper' Wins Mr. Upper Peninsula Pageant

NEGAUNEE, Mich. (AP) -- A 22-year-old man who says he's a "genuine Yooper" has won the second annual Mr. Upper Peninsula Pageant at a historic theater in Negaunee.

Brady Skewis was crowned Friday night at the Vista Theater after competing in many categories, including "Yooper talent" and "Yooper swimsuit." The oldest contestant was 61.

Theater director Andrew "Bear" Tyler says the show's popularity "exploded," with ticket sales topping the 2015 event when more than 250 people attended the pageant.

The winner is a Negaunee native who lives in Marquette. Skewis was asked to describe himself in three words. His reply: "Definitely not lumberjack." The pageant was open to any man, 18 or older, who lives in the U.P. or was born there.

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