PORT TOWNSEND — Men in tights — and dresses and boas — will raise college money for former and current Rhododendron Festival queens and princesses Saturday, May 28.

They’ll be dressed up for the second annual “Dude Looks Like a Lady?” from

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St.

The fundraiser has a high goal: to raise almost $7,000 to cover scholarships given each year to Rhododendron royalty.

“The girls ran to become royalty, and they did their job,” said Melanie Bozak, former festival volunteer, who is organizing this year’s event

“The community needs to recognize their hard work and support them.”

Bozak said money still needs to be raised for 2011 Queen Emma King and Princesses Carley Lundgren and Abigail Green, though the latter two girls are juniors.

23 set to perform

Twenty-three men are confirmed to perform — volunteering their charms to dress in women’s clothing to dance for tips — and a few more may volunteer, Bozak said.

They’ll wear dresses donated for the event.

Musical performances will be presented by Shady Grove, The Standby’s, David & Mary Crozier and Rita Hubbard.

Sponsors of this year’s event include the Port Townsend Elks Lodge, Goodwill, Port Townsend Paper Corp. and SOS Printing, Bozak said, adding that more sponsors are welcome.

Bozak stressed that the event’s proceeds will go only to the scholarships, not for other festival expenses.

About $2,000 was raised last year, but Bozak hopes to raise considerably more May 28.

Tickets are available at Maricee Fashions, 913 Water St.; Lehani’s Deli and Coffee, 221 Taylor St.; and Subway, 1300 Water St., but don’t be surprised to be button-holed by one of the performers.

Tickets

Pre-event tickets are $5 per person. At the door, individual tickets will be $8. A family pack costs just $20 now compared with $30 at the door.

The Elks Lodge will sell beverages. Snacks also will be sold during the show, and a raffle will be conducted for a large selection of merchandise donated by local businesses, Bozak said.

Bozak said the performers include several physicians from Jefferson Healthcare hospital, employees of Port Townsend Paper Corp. and the U.S. Postal Service, as well as her husband, Steve.

“They come from all walks of life,” Bozak said.

“I hope the community will bring money.”

For more information, to buy tickets or to provide raffle prizes, phone the Bozaks at 360-385-4871, Ralph Hutchinson and Lorraine Hendricks at 360-379-8165, Steve Spencer at 360-774-0879, Christy Spencer at 360-774-0882 or Heather Longcrier at 360-379-5541.

Some Rhododendron Festival board members also have tickets for sale, Bozak said.