Galveston's history showcased in Galveston Island Beach Revue

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Kicking off the summer beach season, the Galveston Island Beach Revue weekend highlights the special history of the island.

Dubbed the "Pageant of Pulchritude" by C.E. Barfield, the Galveston beauty contest began in the summer of 1920, marking the beginning of tourist season each summer until 1932 when the pageants ended, in part due to the Great Depression.


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In 2009, the Galveston Island Beach Revue was resurrected into a two-day, family-friendly event. The Revue features events Friday and Saturday, highlighted by the Bathing Beauties Contest.

For 2017, the 40 contestants vying for the title included teachers, students, mothers, zookeepers, personal trainers, military personnel, author, singer, choreographer and many other fields. The women wore vintage, or specially designed, swimwear inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Esther Williams, Annette Funicello and in some cases, their own mothers or grandmothers. A few paid homage to historic icons such as Galveston's legendary Balinese Room gambling hall and the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

PHOTOS: See the famed Beauties from 2016

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