Retired banker Paul Downey is the new Mr. Healdsburg. Mr. Downey, 74, became the 10th man crowned as Mr. Healdsburg Saturday nighht at The Raven before a capacity crowd.

Paul Downey.

Mr. Healdsburg is a beauty pageant parody that is the leading fundraiser each year for the Raven Performing Arts Theater, the 400-seat theater that plays host to a wide range of music, theater, movie and charity events.

Mr. Downey got a standing ovation for his stirring performance of Di Verde’s Provenza aria from La Traviata, in the talent portion of the event. He outlasted six other contestants including local musicians Brandon Hassur and Chris Rovetti, who with Downey, were chosen as the finalists.

“I came here with my wife 18 years ago and fell in love with this town,” said Downey, who donned a top hat and coat-and-tails for the Evening Wear portion of the event. “I saw this as my chance to give back to this great, great, wonderful town.”

The other contestants were winemaker Ronald Du Preez, chef Daniel Gene Bishop, server Mark McKenzie and firefighter Eric Smith.

The winner is chosen by a panel of five judges based on talent, evening wear, beach wear and interveiw competitions. Voting is also done by audience members and via the Internet.

Downey was this year’s oldest contestant. He was a member of the legendary Yale University Whiffenpoofs. Only 14 senior Yale students are chosen each year to be members of the a cappella group, founded in 1909. Naturally, he listed his talent as “singer”.

Mr. Healdsburg occupies the post for a year, attending parades, community events as well as make local appearances. last year’s winner Chris Herrod sang the song “My Way” to a video presentation of his year in the cape and crown before passing them to Mr. Downey.