'It's awesome': Models, trendy clothing thrill the audience at Hall of Fame Fashion Show

CANTON – Molly Geiselman sauntered from the darkness and onto the runway.

The music was pumping and excitement filled the room as she strutted across the platform in the middle of the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

This is her 18th year as a model in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Fashion Show Luncheon. She is one of 56 models − the most in the show's history − to walk the runway during the event's 61st installment.

"It's so great to see (the audience) cheering you on and clapping with excitement," she said. "It's great to be able to keep the tradition alive in Canton."

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Dressed in a white shirtdress with black pinstripes − one of many looks she modeled, she waves to friends she spots in the crowd.

She gets an adrenaline rush from the walk down the runway in front of thousands of fans.

It's a lot of hard work, but Geiselman is grateful to be part of the tradition that spans six decades.

"What I love is the fashion show is a tradition enjoyed by many in the community," the Jackson Township resident said. "(Attendees) have had their tables for years. It's super amazing how many continue to come year after year with their families."

As a mother of two girls, Geiselman shares her love of the fashion show with them. Six-year-old Marlo and 4-year-old Maren were at the show on Friday cheering on their mom along with their grandmother and godmother. They haven't participated in the show yet, but Geiselman sees it in their future.

"When they see me in Mommy and Me outfits they want to know why they are not in the show," she said.

Geiselman and many of the other models have raised their kids during their years of participation. She recalled having her oldest daughter in May and being back on stage in August for the show, and breastfeeding her between appearances on stage.

While she has attended the show for decades, this is the first time Cindy Pascu walked in the show. She joined her daughters − each with more than 20 years of experience − on stage.

Her daughters Tricia Finan and Krista Klein followed her and joined the annual show. They both were members of the queen's court − Finan in 1997 and Klein in 2000.

"I'm just glad to be here with the girls," said Pascu, a Jackson Township resident. "It brings back a lot of memories."

Pascu's daughter, Kara Abbott, is approaching her 30th year as a model.

Abbott, a Hall of Fame Queen in 1995, recalled the process models went through to reach the runway. They had to have an interview and walk for the judges. Lucky models would receive an invitation to come back to the runway the next year, she said.

A former chair of the queen's committee, Abbott said, participating in the fashion show brings back so many memories of the pageant, the balloon fest and other enshrinement activities.

The trio said they have created incredible memories over the years and are excited about the way the annual show has evolved.

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Diane DeVarr is one of the longest-running models, at 39 years.

The owner of the former Fashion Point Modeling in North Canton, DeVarr has spent her life in the fashion industry, modeling and coaching models and pageant participants.

She thought maybe it was time to hang up her high heels, but with the show's new format she decided to stick around and model the clothing of Vita Boutique, where she works.

DeVarr isn't the only one excited about the new format. This year, each participating store was featured in its own scene.

That's what sets this year's event apart, said production and stage manager Ken Harding of KJH Productions.

In years past, clothing from various stores was used together in a scene, making it difficult for attendees to know where clothing was sourced. Guests could use a QR code or visit HOFfashionshow.com/shop to see each look featured in the show and where it could be purchased.

"At rehearsal, I noticed the show flow was tighter (than in the past)," said Harding, who has produced the show for the past eight years. "Now, as the scene goes on, people will know where to get the clothes."

The show kicked off with replicas of Jackie Kennedy Onassis' iconic looks. including a yellow sheath dress and silk head scarf as well as the more casual jeans and black leather trench coat.

Besides clothing from area stores such as Boot Barn, Main Street Boutique, French Rooster and Goodwill, the show also featured men's clothing by Haggar, who has partnered with the Pro Football Hall of Fame to provide the Gold Jacket since 1978.

"This really takes a village to (put the show on), and it would not be possible without the (Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce)," Harding said. "It started with the (football players') wives and it has blossomed. It's more than a fashion show."

The 90-minute show included live entertainment from Cleveland-based crooner Hayden Grove and the high-energy Elevated Dance Co. of Cleveland.

"It's so exciting for our town. They're so excited (to be here). I am always impressed looking around in the audience," DeVarr said. "I feel like we should do a parade of the women. To be on the runway and look around, it's impressive."

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: 'It's awesome': Models, trendy clothing thrill the audience at Hall of Fame Fashion Show