Heather Latter
When Alyssa Chiasson was selected as one of the finalists for Miss Teenage Canada by the reigning Francesca McFadden, while competing in the Miss North Ontario pageant back in May, she didn’t realize just how busy her summer would be.
Now, as Miss Teenage Rainy River District, the 16-year-old is busy fundraising, making public appearances, and preparing for the Miss Teenage Canada pageant Aug. 2-10 in Toronto.
“I’ve been really busy so far this summer,” said Chiasson, noting she has been organizing and participating in events, as well as looking for sponsors.
“I’m just trying to be visible in the community,” she reasoned.
Chiasson volunteered at the Business and Community Expo in May and helped at the recent Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Fort Frances Public Library.
She also sold candy sticks and tacos-in-a-bag during “Mall Day” on Scott Street last week before participating in the Canada Day parade.
And Chiasson has much more planned. This Saturday, she is holding a yard sale at 317 Butler Ave. from 8 a.m.-noon.
Then on Tuesday (July 14), she is hosting “Lunch With a Princess” at the Fort Frances Public Library from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
“They’ve done a similar event before so we decided to run with it,” Chiasson said, noting the event will feature fun princess activities and a royal lunch.
“My platform is about self-confidence so I’m going to incorporate that by talking a little bit about inner beauty and that everyone is beautiful,” she added.
The event is for children aged five and up, with Friday (July 10) being the deadline to register.
Chiasson also is planning an open mic event at From the Grind Up on July 16.
“A few people are signed up but we’re still looking for more,” she remarked.
Anyone interested is invited to contact her through Facebook (Miss Teenage Rainy River District 2015) or sign up at From the Grind Up.
Admission is $5 and there will be prizes for participants.
Chiasson also likely will be making appearances at Rainy River’s “Railroad Daze,” the “Harmony of Nations” Music Festival, and the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.
As well, she plans to help out with the annual mini-king and mini-queen pageant, which is looking to be held near the end of the month.
A lunch at Boston Pizza also is in the works.
“I have to fundraise for Miss Teenage Canada’s official charity, which is ‘Free the Children,’” Chiasson explained.
“I have to raise at least $400 to get full marks but I can get extra marks if I raise $1,000.
“So far, I have raised $600 from stocking pop machines at the high school,” she noted (Fort High also supports “Free the Children” so they were helpful in letting her raise funds that way).
“It seems like the little kids are starting to remember me—they really like the crown,” Chiasson replied when asked what kind of reaction she gets from people.
“A lot of people, even ones I don’t know, seem supportive,” she enthused.
“Some have even donated or have said good luck.”
“Mostly people aren’t aware of what the pageant is,” noted her mom, Susan. “Nobody in this area has ever done it before.
“People only know Emo Fair and Miss Fun in the Sun,” she said. “They don’t know the national pageants.”
In addition to all the fundraising and appearances, Chiasson is preparing for the upcoming pageant, which is much more intense than Miss North Ontario.
First off, the field is nearly doubled. Instead of 42 contestants, she will be competing against 73 girls from across Canada.
Miss Teenage Canada also incorporates a swimwear portion—something Chiasson has never done before—and places an emphasis on social media.
“I had to set up all kinds of social media accounts,” she noted, adding she even started a YouTube channel to talk about her platform.
And she has to keep up with her blog to show what she’s been doing in the community.
Chiasson noted there will be online voting once again for this competition (at www.missteenagecanada.com) for the People’s Choice Award, although specific details for this have yet to be released.
She will be judged on personal interview, evening gown, swimwear, charity contribution, social media, community engagement, and photogenic appeal.
There also are optional categories like the talent competition and the written essay.
The winner will receive more than $30,000 in cash and prizes.
Chiasson still is seeking sponsors to help cover the cost of the entry fee for the pageant, as well as travel expenses.
Her first sponsor is local chiropractor Dr. Jeremy McGuire.
The teen also is looking for sponsorship of products because while she is in Toronto, she will have to dress the part.
“She needs to always have a polished, professional appearance and she is there for eight days,” her mom explained, adding she is looking for clothing, high heels, beauty products, and services.
But despite all the preparations, Chiasson is enjoying the experience so far.
“I’m excited, stressed, nervous,” she admitted.
She added her personal goal is to make the top 20 because those contestants are eligible to compete at other pageants.
While in Toronto, Chiasson and the other contestants will be making appearances on Breakfast Television and possibly MuchMusic, as well as other places around the city.
“I want to continue to be involved even when I don’t have a title,” she stressed. “I have been enjoying helping out and volunteering.
“It’s been really fun.”
