Mr. Habitat 2006 Mike Richoux is pictured with his gold hard hat and hammer.

The All-Stars and the Rookies will battle as the Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity searches for Mr. Habitat 2007.

After a year as the organization’s top man, reigning Mr. Habitat 2006, Mike Richoux, is ready to relinquish his title.

The showdown is set for July 18 at Cypress Columns in Gray.

Representing the All-Stars in this year’s competition is Sherman Berry, a 2005 recipient of the prized toolbelt and title. He is an employee with E S & H Environmental Safety and Health Consulting Service, Inc., in Houma.

Berry elected to compete again because he said his first time around was so much fun.

“The best part of the competition was when we get to strut our stuff around the stage wearing brown, leather toolbelts, jeans and a BAHFH T-shirt during the opening number,” Berry said. “I added some accessories to my outfit to give it more flavor.”

The opening number is intended to give contestants an opportunity to showcase their personality and charisma, as well as to “woo” the audience and judges.

Berry’s participation in the local Habitat organization – a community-based entity that builds affordable housing for low-income families – was limited prior to the competition. However during his reign, Berry and several fellow One Down, Five Up motorcycle club members volunteered their free time to work on a Habitat home.

Berry’s not necessarily looking for a repeat of his 2005 win. He just wants to go out and have a blast.

Rookie Tanner Magee, on the other hand, said he “has no idea of what I have gotten myself into.”

The 26-year-old program manager, with the South Central Planning and Development Commission in Houma, describes himself as an adventurous type and said he believes he’s up for the challenge. While volunteering at a BAHFH site, his female co-workers convinced him to participate.

“I’ve never participated in an activity that had to do with Habitat for Humanity, so this is a good start for me. I want to continue volunteering my services to the organization after the contest,” he said.

Other contestants as of press time include: Terrebonne Parish School Board member Gregory Harding; Thibodaux Police Officer Pablo Garcia; Donald Wayne Bogen of Thibodaux; and longtime BAHFH volunteer Kye Tidey.

Trading their cell phones and day jobs for hard hats and toolbelts, the contestants will be judged by a panel of women through several rounds of friendly competition.

Following each round, contestants will earn points and prizes. At the end, the man with the most points will be crowned Mr. Habitat for Humanity 2007.

The title comes with a gold hard hat and a hammer. His responsibilities will vary, according to contest chairperson Leslie Williams.

Like most pageants, the contest includes an interview portion where All Stars and Rookies will explain why they should be named Mr. Habitat. A Habitat trivia challenge and “Back to Your Youth” competition – complete with childhood games like musical chairs and jump rope – round out the contest.

Mr. Habitat wannabe’s will also be armed with paint cans as they head into the audience for donations. Collections will help boost their points, Williams said.

The competition kicks off at 6 p.m. July 18 at Cypress Columns. Tickets are $30, and tables for 10 can be purchased at $300.

All proceeds will go toward building homes for low-income families in the community. Since 1996, BAHFH has built over 100 homes in the Lafourche/Terrebonne area.

Resource Development and Public Relations Director Lisa Smith said the organization is looking to build 75-100 more houses over the next year.

For more information on the event or Habitat for Humanity, contact Williams at (985) 447-6999.