The Pub on Park in Cranston was packed to capacity on Friday with people who braved the cold to see local comedians vie for the title of “Funniest Female in Rhode Island.”

The event is another branch of the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame, which currently has four inductees – Charlie Hall, John Perrotta, Tom Cotter and, most recently, Frank O’Donnell.

The Hall of Fame was created by comedian “Rockin’” Joe Hebert in 2012. He said it is designed to “recognize and honor the outstanding contributions made to Rhode Island comedy.”

The event itself was more of a showcase than a contest, although Hebert offered a $100 prize for the best overall act of the evening, as determined by the audience.

“I can’t predict roles for these performers with the Hall of Fame, but I wanted to see what type of female talent was available in the state, so I can expand our options for future events,” Hebert said.

Doreen Collins, the night’s emcee, kept the show moving at a brisk pace, and she interjected her own sense of humor. Hebert surprised Collins with the announcement that she will be the first female inductee into the Comedy Hall of Fame in October 2015.

Collins was with the Ocean State Follies for years and performed on two local TV shows on Channel 10, “Rhode Bytes” and “Unreal Deal.” She also does voiceovers on local radio and TV commercials.

Contestants were Marie Forster, Alessandra Grima, Jennifer Munroe-Nathans, Kelly Morse and Alison O’Donnell.

Comedian Brian Vincent entertained the crowd as “Grandma Martha from Olneyville.”

“We all have one thing in common tonight, and that is to make you laugh,” Collins said.

Each contestant, as well as Collins, touched upon universal themes for women such as men, relationships, dating, dieting, families and children.

An unusual entry was Munroe-Nathans, who is an ordained minister and performed a completely “clean” act. She did make jokes about church, her son’s life given her chosen professions and her shock at the choice of clothing for young women at a mall.

Maryellen Rinaldi, a Cranston native, was scheduled to be the show’s headliner, but unfortunately was ill.

The substitute performer was none other than Ace Aceto, who is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the spring.

Since there was no formal judging being held, the audience selected the winner by virtue of applause.

Based on the amount of noise made, the winner was chosen as Kelly Morse. Her set contained jokes about exercising, losing weight, playing Candy Crush and the Ebola drills that happen at the hospital where she works.

For more information on the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame, visit www.richof.org.

For up to date event happenings at the Pub on Park, check out its Facebook page.