It’s not often that we get the chance to talk to a real life pageant king, so when we learned we had one here in Concord, we had to jump on the opportunity.
We’re talking, of course, about John Cimikoski, owner of Cimo’s South End Deli and the winner of the first-ever Mr. Concord pageant.
Cimikoski – or Cimo, as he’s universally known – beat out the likes of Mayor Jim Bouley, former All-Star MLB pitcher Bob Tewksbury, Rich Spaulding, a retired state policeman (second place), and N.H. Distributors President Chris Brown (third place), so this title is pretty legit.
We caught up with Cimo last week to ask him a little about life as a pageant king.
How does it feel to be the first-ever Mr. Concord?
Well, it feels good. I don’t really know what to say there. We’ll find out when I start doing my duties as Mr. Concord.
What are the duties?
Spreading awareness of human trafficking, and whatever else the Concord Contemporary Club wants me to make people aware of.
What did you do to celebrate the victory?
I got out of town and had to pay for parking and wait 20 minutes for a restaurant. In town, I don’t think Mr. Concord would have to wait, and I think I get free parking – but I’m not sure, I’ll have to check. If I don’t, I should – there’s gotta be something to go along with it.
What will you do with all the this new power and fame?
I’m gonna have a lot of fun with it.
What was your talent at the show?
I made fun of people. I did balloon animals, and I roasted every one of the other contestants, why they shouldn’t be (Mr. Concord). I think the crowd was pretty receptive to that.
How was the competition? Were you up against worthy opponents?
I was, I had no idea that I would walk away (the winner), especially when there’s 24 Scottish drum corps as one of the talents. And obviously two state troopers and a mayor, who could make life miserable for you. I’ve since gotten two speeding tickets, my taxes went up on my house, dental insurance has been cancelled. They stopped beer deliveries at my store. It hasn’t been all roses.
What set you apart from the competition?
I think Steve Duprey, one of the judges, I think he kind of liked it when I took my shirt off in front of the crowd.
Now that you’re Mr. Concord, will we see you running for Bouley’s job any time soon?
When I want the job, I guess it will be mine because I already beat him at Mr. Concord. I just have to go sit in his office if I can find it – we don’t even know if he has an office. I already beat him in the big competition, so.
Did you bribe any judges?
I don’t know if I can answer that. I think the battery on my phone is going dead. But no, I’m not against a bribe – of course I bribed them.
If they held a Mr. N.H. pageant, do you feel you could win?
No, I think at that point I’d have to send in the drum corps.
How do you plan on defending the title?
I think I’m gonna let somebody else have it next year. I’ll pass my crown like Miss Universe or Mr. America – I’m not sure if they do a Mr. America. I set the bar high being the first.
Are you looking at getting a “Mr Concord” license plate?
Well I was thinking of a low-digit plate. I haven’t checked into yet or seen if that is available, but I’d hate to lose my Black Ice license plate just for one year of a Mr. Concord plate. But a two-digit, I’d even go three.
Will there now be a Mr. Concord sandwich on the menu?
We’re actually working on it. We’ve had a lot of response on our Facebook page and people want to see one. We’re gonna have to come up with something that has a lot to do with Concord.
