Princess prospects shine in post pandemic pageant

The 2021 Milton Harvest Festival Princess Pageant Runner-Up Leslie Krebs crowned the 2022 Milton Harvest Festival Princess Alaura Foust at the Milton Harvest Festival Princess Pageant on Sept 10. The 2021 Milton Harvest Festival Princess Tridaija Lisimba-Alvarez could not be present for the crowning because she was out of state.

Senior Carly Neidig was the 2022 runner up. In addition to seniors Alaura and Carly, the other senior competitors were Brianna Beck, Sara Dewyer, Kendall Fedder, Chloe Heintzelman, Jillian Latchford, Chloe Russell and Nathalie Vargas.

Milton Harvest Festival Pageant Committee Chair Ms. Amanda Craig-Bradley said that this year was special because it was the first official year back to “normal” since the pandemic.

“Last year we were able to hold it in the high school, but had to use masks; whereas this year, we do not have to worry about using masks on the stage,” said Ms. Craig-Bradley.

Ms. Craig-Bradley said this year’s pageant theme, which was determined by the Harvest Festival committee, was “Harvesting Milton’s Future.”

Ms. Craig-Bradley added that theme suggestions from the public are considered, and then the committee votes on them at their meeting. The committee meetings are open to the public of all ages, and new people are encouraged to attend and get involved, said Ms. Craig-Bradley.

Participants had to prepare a two-minute speech that included the theme, and how it relates to them and to Milton. They presented their speech in a casual outfit, and walked a promenade in a formal outfit (usually a prom dress), said Ms. Craig-Bradley.

Chloe, Jillian and Nathalie were also among the top five. Nathalie received the Betty Zechman Spirit Award.

The top five contestants were required to answer a final question. A quote by Abraham Lincoln was mentioned before the question. The quote said, “The best way to predict the future

is to create it.” The girls were then asked, “If life happens to throw you a curveball after graduation, how would you create a new future for yourself?”

The pageant committee held rehearsals over six-weeks and practiced every part of the pageant with the contestants so that they felt fully prepared, according to Ms. Craig-Bradley.

Ms. Craig-Bradley added it was exciting to have things feeling more “normal” in comparison to the last few years. In 2020, the pageant was cancelled because of the pandemic.

“While we were able to be flexible and adapt last year, it’s exciting to see our group this year have the full experience without having the extra pressure of the pandemic,” said Ms. Craig-Bradley.

The girls were excited for the pageant to happen along with all the other activities they got to participate in during the Harvest Festival, added Ms. Craig-Bradley. The girls got to participate in the pageant, the Tomato Bowl, the Pet Parade, the Little Miss Pageant, the Milton Area Community Band Concert, the Pumpkin Roll, the Harvest Pops Choral Concert and the parade.

“They are more competitive within themselves than with each other, and have been very supportive of one another during all the rehearsals we’ve had,” said Ms. Craig-Bradley.

Alaura said she did the pageant for the experience and not to win. She said that participating in the pageant was something that required her to get out of her comfort zone.

Alaura said her sponsor was T.I.M.E, which stands for The Improved Milton Experience. “The Pageant committee helps with finding a sponsor,” said Alaura.

Alaura said she related her speech to the theme by discussing the difficulties Milton has experienced.

Alaura said her prizes include a $500 scholarship and a diamond necklace.