Staff
This year’s Canada Day celebrations here once again will feature the popular Mini-King and Mini-Queen crownings, with parents having until June 12 to sign up their child for the event.
Organizer Melissa Gushulak said the event is open to boys and girls aged four-seven as of July 1.
Starting today (May 30), parents can call Gushulak at 270-4875 and register their child (if she’s not home, leave a message on her voicemail and she’ll get back to you).
She can fill out registration forms with the parent over the phone.
To confirm their registration, parents must pay an entry fee of $5 per child, with the money going back into prizes for the event.
Due to a limited number of sponsors, Gushulak said only a maximum of 10 boys and 10 girls can register this year, so the contest may fill up prior to the June 12 deadline.
If they so choose, the contestants can ride on a float with the 2010 Mini-King and Mini-Queen, Magnus Trembath and Aurora Hutton, during the Canada Day parade.
Then that afternoon at Pither’s Point Park, the contestants will be asked questions by judges, such as their name, age, their favourite things to do, if they go to school, etc.
“And then at the end, I ask every kid if they want to tell something to the audience,” said Gushulak.
“Some kids tell joke, do a dance, sing a song,” she noted.
The judges then will decide who will be crowned Mini-King and Mini-Queen, who will be presented with their crowns, banners, and a grand prize donated by local sponsors.
Regardless of whether they win or not, all the contestants will get a prize.
“Basically, it’s fun, entertaining, and they all come out of it with something,” said Gushulak.
For years, the Mini-King and Mini-Queen crowning was held in late June, prior to Canada Day, with the new royalty riding in the July 1 parade.
But Gushulak said it was moved this year not only because “Mall Days” no longer is held, but the event will enhance Canada Day activities and make them “more family-friendly.”
