New organizers running Emo Fair queen pageant Five girls vying for the crown

The annual Emo Fair queen pageant always seems to go off without a hitch each August, but it takes a lot of hard work and organization for everything to run smoothly.
And while this year’s organizers are not new to the pageant, this will be their first time co-ordinating the event.
Sisters Sis and Trisha Wilson—the fair queens in 2002 and 2004, respectively—have taken over the responsibility from Joyce Meyers, who held the position for the past six years.
“It’s time to move on,” Meyers said, noting she has other commitments this summer. “I’m replaceable. I think they’ll be fine and I’m sure, since they’re younger, they’ll have more energy.”
She also passed along all her information compiled during her stint.
“It’s pretty easy to follow,” Meyers remarked, saying if they recruit a good committee, they should be able to stay on top of things.
“One person can’t do it alone,” she stressed.
And while she acknowledged there always are problems, Meyers believes the new organizers will be able to “roll with the punches and find solutions.”
“They have new, fresh ideas and it’s always nice to see change,” she indicated.
Meyers said she enjoyed the time she spent co-ordinating the pageant. “We always had a good time together,” she added. “But it takes up a lot of time.”
Sis Wilson understands the time commitment and is ready for the challenge.
“Being first-timers, I’m excited—overwhelmed, but it will be fun,” she enthused.
The contest, open to girls ages 15-18 who live in Rainy River District, is not the typical beauty pageant as seen on television. Rather, it focuses more on community involved and attitude.
The contestants’ work begins this month and continues right up until the crowning in mid-August. They make banners, sell buttons, ride in the July 1 parade, put on a fashion show and entertainment night, and help out at many other functions.
Wilson noted five girls are vying for the crown this year—four from Fort Frances and one from Stratton. Profiles on the contestants will be available in the near future.
“[Five] is a good number,” she said. “They’ll have more fun and it won’t be so much like a competition.”
She also said she wants the girls to get out in the community more.
“I want them to do fundraisers, like car washes, instead of just parades,” Wilson explained. “They could raise money for anything—the fair, charities—it doesn’t matter.”
She said a meeting for all involved will take place soon.
“We’re a couple days behind,” Wilson admitted. “But we’re pushing and it’s coming along.”