The first-ever sellout crowd for the Nansemond River Pilot Club’s Womanless Beauty Pageant watched a record number of contestants strut their stuff at the National Guard Armory on Saturday.

The 14th annual installment of the gender-bending contest saw 13 men dress up as women and model casual wear and eveningwear, perform their talents and answer interview questions.

When the last high heel had wobbled down the stage and the judges’ scores were tabulated, Tilly Mae, who painted an inspired self-portrait as her talent, was named Ms. Relay For Life 2014.

“I had no idea I had that in me,” said Dylon Hollowell, who lent his personality to the congenial character of Tilly Mae, who waved enthusiastically to the crowd throughout the evening.

His father-in-law recently died of cancer, and he cited that as a main reason for wanting to do the contest again after participating last year.

“This is for the cause,” he said.

Other contestants agreed they never would have worn dresses and makeup were it not for the proceeds for the event going to Relay For Life.

“Once they told me it was for the fight against cancer, I said, ‘Sure, I’ll do it,’” said Josh Walling, whose innocent persona of Handy Mandy earned Best Talent for the night.

Other highlights of the evening included a superhero costume change talent from contestant Bo Freda, an “It’s Raining Men” music video spoof by four contestants dressed as Hooters girls, the perennial hula dance, an intentionally bad hula hoop routine, a “Single Ladies” performance from last year’s winner, Princess Consuela Banana Hammock, also known as Danny Kizzee, and a steady string of double entendres by master of ceremonies Dave Parker of US106.1.

On a more serious note, the event also included a moving guitar tribute from 11-year-old Gabby Infranco and her guitar teacher, Mike Evans, to Gary Baines, a local musician who recently lost his battle with cancer.

The Pilot Club’s Becky Adams said the event was a success.

“It worked out perfectly,” she said. “It was very good, and I think the contestants enjoyed themselves.”

Though the totals for money raised were not yet calculated, it would likely be close to last year, she said.

“I want to thank all of our sponsors for making this night a success, and we hope to have their support next year,” she said. “One day, we hope to find a cure, with everyone’s help.”

Other awards at the end of the night were as follows:

• People’s Choice — Tilly Mae (Dylon Hollowell)
• Most Original — Sizzling Sweets (Wesley Alexander)
• Best Interview — Montana Leathertower (Steve Black)
• Best Eveningwear — Sassy Cassy (Cory McIntyre)
• Best Talent — Handy Mandy (Josh Walling)
• Best Casual Wear — Raven Rainbow (Al Higgins)
• Best Makeup — Barbielicious (Joe Natoli)
• Best Hair — Tammy Guns (Tommy Hinnant)
• Best Legs — Fannie Mae Butler (Stephen Butler)
• Best Looking — Stacey Ballstin-Dyckenson (Elliot Rodriguez)
• Best Walk — Cherry Lips (Doug Burt)
• Best Heels — Celexis (Edwin Delosreyes)
• Miss Congeniality — Bo Freda (Al Herdeg)