Summerland’s 45th Annual Blossom Pageant took place at Centre Stage Theatre this past weekend.
The pageant is aptly named, for not only is it Blossom time in the Okanagan, but the nine young women who took part in the program this year have blossomed as well.
Crowned as Miss Summerland was Erin Sorensen, Miss IGA.
Emma Thomson, Miss Rotary and Martha Headland, Miss Summerset Massage Therapy were named as princesses.
Voted as Miss Congeniality by her fellow candidates was Taylor Thurlin, Miss Soleil Tanning.
At its inception the pageant was primarily a beauty contest. Over the years it has evolved into more of a developmental program. The 16- and 17-year-old girls learn practical skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Upon entering the pageant many of them may have been shy or unsure of themselves, but by the time the pageant is over they have discovered a new found confidence.
Not only have they learned to walk in high heels, but also the art of public speaking and they have experienced the rewards that come from volunteering.
Friday evening’s program shone a light on each girl’s unique abilities during the Talent and Speech Competition.
Speech topics ranged from traveling experiences, saving the bees and oceans, parents and grandparents as role models, helping or being helped by others to the joy of having a dog.
Many different talents were displayed, such as dance, playing an instrument, singing, acting, writing, gymnastics and ski instructing.
The Saturday night program began with the introduction of the candidates as well as the 2014 Royalty.
Mayor Peter Waterman brought greetings from council and the District of Summerland and MLA Dan Ashton brought greetings from the province. Ashton also applauded the judges, recognizing the difficult job they had. Judging the competition were Stacey Bingham, Shannon Corps and Sara Noble.
Christine Petkau presented a cheque for $1,000 on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce to help fund the Blossom Pageant.
While the candidates prepared for the Evening Wear and impromptu questions, the audience was entertained by dancers from the Summerland School of Dance.
The audience also enjoyed the Frugal Fashion Show, when the candidates modelled the outfits they had put together as a result of a visit to the Thrift Shop.
Visiting Royalty from throughout the Province brought greetings from their communities.
Farewell speeches were given by Retiring Royalty, Miss Summerland, Taylor Arkestyn, Princesses Julia Belmonte and Makenzie Vandertoolen and Miss Congeniality, Brianna Ure. During their tearful goodbyes they each thanked friends, family, as well as the pageant committee, Karen Hooper, Pat Gartrell and Leanne Sieben.
Several awards were presented during the evening.
The People’s Choice award went to Sorensen as did the Public Speaking and Local Knowledge award. Thomson received the Committee Award and tied with Headland for the Talent Award. The Volunteer and Top Fundraiser Awards went to Elia Rodriguez, Miss Action Festival.
Also competing in the pageant were Julia Fotherby, Miss Kiwanis; Emily Jerry, Miss Western Safety Surfacing; Melanie Martens, Miss Pearce Taylor Schneiderat Law Office and Chantal Ashton, Miss Trout Creek Daycare.
After the coronation, the newly crowned Miss Summerland thanked her fellow candidates and sponsor. “I am feeling so overwhelmed and I’m so grateful and happy,” said Sorensen. “I’m just so excited for the year to come.”
The princesses expressed similar sentiments. “I feel so overjoyed and honoured and blessed,” said Thomson.
“I’m really happy,” said Headland. “I’d like to thank everybody for getting me this far.”
Thurlin, Miss Congeniality said, “I am so grateful for all of the experiences with the girls. They honestly made the entire thing worth it. It was incredible.”
Summerland’s Royalty will represent the town at events in the community and throughout the province until Blossom time rolls around next year.