Age doesn’t matter much to Lucile McFarland. At 87 years young, the winner of the 2009 Ms. Senior Chilton County Pageant is preparing to compete at the state level.

McFarland won the hearts of judges March 27 by tickling their funny bones with her humor, beating out three other contestants to become Chilton’s first representative in the pageant since 2002.

“I don’t sing, I don’t dance, and I don’t play an instrument. I just do stand-up comedy,” said the Thorsby native, unable to resist telling a couple of zingers.

McFarland will compete among 12 seniors at Ms. Senior Alabama on June 20 at Mountain Brook High School. The winner will advance to the national competition in October.

Contestants will be judged in four different categories: an interview conducted prior to the pageant (30 percent), talent (30 percent), philosophy of life (20 percent), poise and evening gown (20 percent).

“I’d like to see a good representation of the county, not because of me but because of the county,” McFarland said.

McFarland has become quite a celebrity in her native county, speaking at several engagements in the past three months — and, of course, telling her jokes.

Wes Gandy, director of the Ms. Senior Chilton County Pageant, said people are consistently impressed with how McFarland carries herself despite her age.

“She’s been so amazing,” he said. “When we had a workshop last month, nobody could believe she was 87. She’s proud to be 87.”

Ms. Senior Alabama will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. Adult admission is $10, and children will be admitted at a reduced price.

For more information or for directions, call (205) 253-6672 or visit www.msseniorchiltoncounty.com.