Jr. FITS pageant is a go

There will be a crowning on Canada Day here after all as 15 girls, aged 11-14, have signed up for the inaugural Jr. Miss Fun in the Sun pageant.
“We are going to go ahead with it,” said Cassandra Parise, a member of the Fun in the Sun committee. “We’re really excited.”
Those vying for the crown include Mandy Barker (Lowey’s Greenhouse), Amanda Caron (M.L. Caron Electric), Hailey Clendenning (Energy Fitness Centre), Kennadi Detweiler (CAN-OP), Sarah Glover-Dittaro (Lakewood Tire Ltd.), Charlie Hardwig-Eberspacher (sponsor TBA), Alexa Lesperance (Confederation College), Chelsea Mosley (Devlin Auto and Truck Ltd./Rolling Lake Transport), Carra Onichuk (Pharmasave), Tessa Payne (Fort Frances Times), Carleigh Payne (D.J. Roach Electric Ltd.), Kristina Robertson (North Air Services), Courtney Spade (CC Complex), Taylor Swire (Sponsor TBA), and Tianna Woods-Williamson (United Native Friendship Centre).
Contestants met last night to go over the requirements they’ll have to fulfill, as well as the events in which they’ll be involved.
Between now and July 1, they will have to sell 100 magnets with their names, photos, and sponsors on them. These cost $2 each.
They’ll also have to make their own banners with their sponsor’s name on it.
Their first scheduled event will be the annual “Show & Shine” on Scott Street tomorrow (June 14), where they’ll be helping the BIA with event registration, handing out balloons, and selling NASCAR raffle tickets (a FITS fundraiser).
They’ll also be at the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market here next Saturday (June 21), where they’ll be doing face-painting, children’s activities, and possibly a cake roulette.
Then on Friday, June 27, they’ll be helping out during “Mall Days,” the “Teddy Bear Picnic,” and “Relay for Life.”
The contestants also will be involved in some event on Saturday, June 28, but have yet to determine whether it will be a garage sale, bake sale, or car wash.
An entertainment night is planned for June 29 at the Legion, where they also are looking at the possibility of holding a teen dance afterwards.
While they won’t have events on June 30, the 15 will be able to use that time to decorate their own floats for the Canada Day parade.
Following the parade, the contestants will assist in activities at Pither’s Point before the crowning of the queen, first and second princesses, and Miss Congeniality.
Other prizes also will be awarded.
As previously reported, the traditional FITS queen pageant for older teen-aged girls was cancelled this year due to a lack of contestants.