FITS queen contestants sought

With the deadline to enter coming up next Thursday, organizers are hoping for at least two more contestants for this year’s Fun in the Sun queen pageant.
With the lack of contestants being the only missing piece in making the pageant a reality, co-organizer Rachel Thiessen stressed there’s many incentives for anyone thinking about entering.
“There’s lots of prizes, scholarships, free outfits–it’s lots of fun,” she enthused Friday.
The entry deadline was supposed to be this week but it was extended after only three contestants had been confirmed. The pageant needs a minimum of five to run.
Reigning FITS queen Nicole Jewell is promoting the pageant at Fort Frances High School. A sign-up session will be held during the lunch hour Tuesday in the school cafeteria.
Anyone interested in participating in the FITS queen pageant also can drop by Pharmasave and talk to Thiessen and co-organizers Sherry Buddicombe.
Meanwhile, other aspects of the queen pageant, such as scheduling and sponsorships, have been shaping up well, said Thiessen.
“We’re going to be doing lots of fun activities. We’ll be taking a first-aid course, after which they’ll get their certificate,” she noted. “We’ll go kayaking–there will be lots to do.”
Contestants also will attend events like the annual “Strawberry Social,” the BIA’s Mall Days, Culturama, and the “Teddy Bear Picnic” at the Fort Frances Public Library.
The entertainment night, slated for June 24, once again will be art of the competition.
“It’s not really a ‘talent’ competition. So if a girl is worried about that, they shouldn’t be. It’s about entertainment,” said Thiessen.
“We basically have our sponsors in line so that’s not a problem for the girls if they can’t get one,” she added. “But if any other businesses want to get involved, they’re always welcome.
“There’s plenty of publicity opportunities. [The contestants] wear their banners everywhere.”
The crowning is slated to take place July 1 at Pither’s Point. Prizes will be given out then to the contestants, including a $2,000 scholarship for the winner and a $1,000 one for the First Princess.
Last year’s winners included Jewell, First Princess Shailynn McMahon, and Second Princess Alexis Vandetti.