Over the Edge + February 23, 2011

13

A Look at the Local Wildlife: JT Blanchett

Who will be crowned the 2011 Mr. PG?

DARCIE SMITH
ARTS EDITOR

Each year, the Prince George Mardi Gras of Winter
Society holds a pageant to select one local gentleman
to hold the title of Mr. PG. The organization is non-profit,
and states their main goal is to “create community
excitement and enthusiasm during [our] long winter
months”. During the month of February they organize a
variety of events that include members of the community
and encourage community pride and spirit. This year,
Over the Edge interviewed Mr. July, J.T. Blanchett, to
learn more about him and why he decided to participate
in the pageant. Unfortunately, he was not crowned as Mr.
PG, but he certainly deserves the spotlight for his efforts
and contribution.

DS: How did you get involved with this fundraiser?
JB: My friend Janna Phillips just asked me to participate and
| figured “why not.”

DS: Why did you want to get involved?

JB: | saw it as a way to give back to the community. I’ve hit
a milestone in my life and | realized that | want to do as much
as | can in my youth — travel, enter events such as this.

DS: Why should you be Mr. PG?

JB: I’m a unique person and | think most who know me would
agree. | really don’t care whether | win or not. It’s been really
great meeting the 11 other contestants and they're all good
people. To be honest, | didn’t care for it initially, but as the
weeks went on | was inspired to put in my efforts and | see it
as a great way to give back to the community.

DS: What do you contribute to the Prince George
community?

JB: Mainly through my work | meet a lot of interesting people
and | get to help them and it’s really rewarding.

DS: What is your idea of the perfect date?

JB: Well, I'll admit that this is cliché, but dinner and a movie
for sure. | think each date should consist of three different
things in one night. It helps me see what a woman is really
like in different settings and shows whether or not we’re
compatible.

DS: What is your greatest flaw?
JB: | have an ego... and at times it gets the better of me. |
try to better myself and be humble. I’m able to joke around
about myself, so | try to be humble.

DS: What are you going to do if you don’t win? Would
you run next year?

JB: It’s a possibility. “2012” has a ring to it. | just need to see
how embarrassing the first one is.

DS: What’s your favorite physical asset in yourself, and
in and woman?

JB: You know... | guess I'll just say for myself, I’m a decently
good-looking chap. In a woman, personality really matters
a lot.

DS: Pick one!
JB: Fine, the ass.

DS: What preparations do you take before going out?
JB: | always dress up. Sometimes in Prince George
classiness goes a long way.

DS: What song gets you in the mood for a) a date, b)

J-I. Blanchett is just one of the many contestants in this year’s Mr. PG contest. Do you think J-T has what it takes to take home the crown?

dancing?

JB: For a date - “It’s Now or Never” - Elvis Presley. For
dancing, | don’t really have a song. My taste is eclectic and
it really depends on my mood.

DS: Describe yourself in one word.
JB: Unique.

DS: Who do you consider to be your role model?
JB: Humphrey Bogart.

DS: If you could go out for dinner with anyone in the
world, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

JB: Elvis Presley. He was one of the best artists of the 20th
century and | really admire him.

DS: What the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for
someone?
JB: I’ve offered to take someone on a trip.

DS: Where do you see yourself in 30 years?

JB: Probably dead... Haha. I'll probably be looking back
at my life and hopefully I'll have accomplished enough to be
able to look back and have no regrets.

DS: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
JB: Again, a cliché, but... Be yourself. | find you’re happier
that way.

DS: Any final words?
JB: | wish times would go back to a classier state in every
way. We always seem to enjoy the past so much more.