Who are the Contestants in This Year's Mr. Mature America Pageant in Ocean City?

Ocean City, NJ -- On Tuesday, Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer provided the following information for the seven contestants in this weekend’s Mr. Mature America Pageant at the Music Pier:

Dr. John Phillips, 72, of Somers Point, is a life long educator and martial arts champion who will break wood on stage. A winner of the International Karate Martial Artist of the Year title, he has also been honored for his work as an educator and for charitable and public service work.

Andrew Dowling, 64, of Ventnor City, will read his original poetry. He has a unique hobby of creating artwork from junk and broken things. He enjoys anonymously helping people who have less than he has.

Thomas McGill, 68, of Ocean City, will perform stand-up comedy. He is past president of the Ocean City Exchange Club and has coached Little League baseball. His hobbies are biking, walking and collecting antiques.

Peter M. Sposato, 73, is a singer from Toms River. He performs ballads at variety clubs, is an avid cycler and works out at the gym. He believes that keeping physically and mentally active adds to one’s quality of life.

Rene Sese, 74, of Ocean City, is a singer. He has performed in area casinos and countries throughout Asia. A native of the Philippines, he was instrumental in arranging Ocean City’s annual Philippine tribute.

Bob D’amore, 65, a piano player and vocalist, performs in area venues and accompanies the St. James AME Gospel Chorus. He has worked with prominent entertainers over the years.

Ray Hufnagel, 84, of Somers Point, is a self-taught artist. He is an Army veteran, computer specialist, independent management and marketing consultant. As a youth, he played basketball against such greats as Tom Gola, Ernie Beck and Meadowlark Lemon.

Special guest senior performers who will entertain but not compete include Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dick Richards of Ocean City, the original drummer of Bill Haley’s Comets. He will be featured with his band the Ready Rockers. At 92, Richards still tours the world with the remaining members of the Comets.

Other special performers include Blues Legend, Bubba Mac; Sheri McGhie, Miss Senior New Jersey America singing the Star Spangled Banner and one song; Soprano Nancy Fox and Mr. Senior America 2015, Gary Sakas, singing the duet “Ah Yes I Remember It Well” and the St. James AME Combined Gospel Chorus.

There will be a display of senior artwork in the Solarium. Cartoonist Jerry Lukas will draw free, personalized cartoons for attendees. Local senior artists will also display their work.

The Mr. Mature America Inspiration Award to men who have made contributions to their community will be presented to Ocean City Boardwalk legend, Hank Glaser of Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and former TV reporter and anchorman Dick Sheeran. Sheeran will also assist emcee Michael Hartman. Hartman is founder and director of the acclaimed Greater Ocean City Theatre Company.

Momma Dietz, CEO of Dietz and Watson, a major sponsor of the Pageant and the Doo Dah Parade, will be unable to attend this year because of a scheduling conflict.

The Flanders Hotel is the other major sponsor of the Pageant, which will be broadcast on GMA Pinoy, the largest TV network in the Philippines with stations throughout the United States and around the world.

The event is Saturday night, March 12, 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 by calling 609-399-6111, visiting ocnj.us/boxoffice, or stopping by the City Hall Welcome Center, located at the 9th Street entrance.

The attached image was provided by Ocean City officials: Mr. Mature 2014 Frank Faralli Jr. (left) and Mr. Mature 2015 Gary Sakas at last year’s Mr. Mature America Pageant on the Ocean City Music Pier.