Women Revel in Undead Roles at IE Zombie Beauty Pageant in Redlands

Women, makeup artists and costume artists flaunted professional-level talent Sunday night at the Inland Empire Comic Expo's 2nd Annual Zombie Beauty Queen Pageant in Redlands, and scores of people in the Fox audience were the winners.

The 11 zombie contestants, including one with an attendant, from Redlands, San Bernardino and Yucaipa, competed in talent, swimwear, casual and evening gown categories.

They reveled in their roles as undead young women, interacting with the audience at times and making the unnatural appear normal - to a degree.

The new Inland Empire Zombie Beauty Queen, announced just before 10 p.m. Oct. 28, was Jasmine Garcia, 22, of San Bernardino.

Pauline Velarde, 19, of Redlands, was runner-up.

The winner was to receive $100, a ticket to Wondercon and SDCC, and more, organizer A.J. Herrera said.

Attendees were requested to come in formal attire and costumes, but not as zombies.

Nearly all seats were full in the Fox Event Center when the show began at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the 2nd Annual I.E. Zombie Beauty Queen Pageant Facebook page or www.forbiddenpanel.com.

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