Babcock Named Mr. Pretty Legs 2011 at Celtic Festival

Leo Babcock was crowed the Saline Celtic Festival’s Mr. Pretty Legs at Friday’s raucous pageant under the tent at

There were 10 contestants in the annual event, in which men in kilts strutted around the stage hoping to impress a panel of female judges.

Babcock, a 49-year-old Saline resident, had two major factors going for him. For one, the longtime actor is comfortable on stage. And two, if his legs didn’t win over judges, he didn’t hurt his chances when he took of his shirt and revealed a model physique during the final round.

“I should have taken my shirt off. That’s what it was! I totally would have done it,” said Daniel Fernandes, who finished third in the contest.

Babcock is also a past winner.

“I won it a few years ago and didn’t think I’d ever do it again because I wanted to quit while I was ahead. But when I got to the booth today, they talked me into it,” said Babcock. “It’s an honor (to be named Mr. Pretty Legs). It’s a lot of fun.”

He’ll spend Saturday touring the Celtic Festival as Mr. Pretty Legs, a duty that had John Kopinski feeling pretty good about his second place finish.

“I didn’t want to finish first and spend all Saturday at the Celtic Festival walking around in a kilt and dealing with swarms of fans,” Kopinski said. “I’m glad I get to walk around and enjoy myself and see all of the Celtic Festival.”

Kopinski entered the contest because his wife told him she was making him a kilt.

Was he nervous?

“Terrified. But it was also enjoyable,” he said.

He said he didn’t think he’d make the kilt a staple of his wardrobe.

“I certainly would not wear it to work. I’d immediately be fired. I'd fire myself,” Kopinski said.

Claire Douthat was among the panel of judges. It was her second year on the panel.

“They called me and asked me if I’d do it again and I was like, ‘Oh yeah,’” she said.

Prior to the event, Douthat talked about what she expected in an ideal Mr. Pretty Legs.

“Some flirtation. Some walking and strutting their stuff,” she said. “And I’m looking for some nice looking legs.”

The pageant and its hilarious host, Beth Patterson, drew roars of laughter from the audience.

The Celtic Festival hits its full stride Saturday with dozens of events and activities. For a full lineup of events, visit www.salineceltic.org.