In honor of Astoria’s colorful history of wild saloons and nefarious doings, the Astor Street Opry Company and The Compleat Photographer are sponsoring the Miss Vivian Contest and Pub Crawl Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27 and 28.

The ASOC invites local fans of its annual musical melodrama, “Shanghaied in Astoria,” to board the Sunset Empire Transit District’s “Trolley Bus” for a jumping tour of “Shanghai trapdoors” at some of Astoria’s favorite local watering holes, including the Desdemona, the Chart Room, the Schooner, the Elks Lounge, the Ship Inn, Cafe Uniontown, the Triangle Tavern, the Portway and the Worker’s Bar & Grill.

Each establishment has chosen a representative to play Miss Vivian (the rough and sturdy saloon owner from the “Shanghaied” stage) and each has invented a special “Shanghaied Cocktail,” created just for the evening’s event.

A special Miss Vivian button has been created for each contestant. These buttons are being sold as a fund-raiser to benefit the ASOC. Dollars raised represent votes for each Miss Vivian candidate. “The more money raised, the more votes your Miss Vivian gal – or guy – gets,” explained Judy Niland, ASOC publicist. “Yes,” Niland said, “this is truly an election that can be bought!”

At each stop during the Pub Crawl evenings, trolley passengers will be asked to vote for their favorite Shanghaied Cocktail and to continue voting for their favorite Miss Vivian by purchasing more buttons on the spot. Who will be the new Miss Vivian 2004? And which bar has the best Shanghaied Cocktail?

The answers will be announced at midnight Saturday, during a dance sponsored by the Astoria Elks Lodge at the Elks Grand Ballroom, 453 11th St. and featuring music by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Cowboys. The dance begins at 9 p.m. and runs to 1 a.m. Admission is $10 per person or $15 per couple at the door, with discount tickets available at performances of “Shanghaied in Astoria.”

To sign up for the Miss Vivian Trapdoor Tour, call (503) 325-6104. Space is limited, and a $5 donation to the Astor Street Opry Company is suggested to ride the trolley.

“Shanghaied in Astoria” turns 20 this season with celebration performances at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Sept. 11, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee Sept. 5, at the Finnish Meat Market, 279 W. Marine Drive. Tickets range from $10 to $17 and are available by calling (503) 325-6104. Check out the Web site at www.shanghaiedinastoria.com for information and updates.