Pictured in front is 2015 North Webster Mermaid Festival Queen of Lakes, Kensea Myers. In back, from left, are third runner-up, Kiersten Bailey; first runner-up, Jenna Coy; and second runner-up, Kalin Meikle. (Photos by Amanda McFarland)

Sponsored by Bart’s Water Sports, Kenesea Myers, Leesburg, competed as Miss Maxinkuckee Lake, vying along with 15 other area young ladies for this year’s crown.

Myers is the daughter of Krisce Myers, North Kalorama Road, Leesburg. She is a student at the University of Alabama.

Myers’ court is as follows: First runner-up, Miss Wawasee Lake, Jenna Coy, of Syracuse; second runner-up, Miss Syracuse Lake, Kalin Meikle, Goshen; and third runner-up, Miss Little Tippy Lake, Kiersten Bailey, Fort Wayne.

The Queen of Lakes pageant is a longstanding part of the annual North Webster Mermaid Festival, sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club. The festival is now in its 70th year.

A crown is not all the winners receive. Each of the top four contestants also received a scholarship, with $2,000 awarded to the queen, $1,500 to the first runner-up, $1,000 to the second runner-up and $500 to the third runner-up.

The Service Award winner was Miss Waubee Lake, Jasmine Ensz, Milford. Taking home the Miss Congeniality title was Miss Tippecanoe Lake, Camille Kerlin, Warsaw.

The top three Mermaid parade float winners also received scholarships. Parade winers were as follows: First place, Miss Ridinger Lake, Aarika Olenik, Crown Point, receiving $750; second place, Miss Wawasee Lake, Jenna Coy, Syracuse, receiving $500; and third place, Miss Tippecanoe Lake, Camille Kerlin, Warsaw, receiving $250.

The evening began with introductions and theme wear, with contestants donning their interpretation of 1970s fashion. Following a brief intermission, contestants returned to the stage in their formal wear. The top four finalists then answered an impromptu question on stage and 2014 Queen of Lakes, McKenah D’Arcy, gave her farewell speech before handing the crown on to Myers.