Seated is the reigning Queen of Lakes, Jordan Hoffmann, of Huntington, who was crowned winner of the 2022 Queen of Lakes Pageant. Behind her, from left, are first runner-up Reagan Koble, second runner-up Jaela Faulkner and third runner-up Chloe Bollinger. InkFreeNews file photo.

Staff Report

NORTH WEBSTER — The North Webster Lady Lions Mermaid Festival Queen of Lakes Pageant is rich in history, dating back to 1946 when Peg Kammerer was chosen as the first winner.

This year’s contest will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24, inside the North Webster Community Center.

The pageant was originally held outside, using a large decorated wagon for a stage. It was later moved inside the North Webster Elementary School gymnasium, now known as the North Webster Community Center, where the stage consisted of cinder blocks and heavy sheets of plywood.

After many years in the gym, the pageant was moved to the Mermaid Festival grounds, which created a challenge to provide appropriate facilities for the activities.

Today, the pageant is back in the North Webster Community Center. The stage was constructed by the North Webster Lions Club. Because the Lady Lions have some talented artistic members, the stage decorations are always unique and follow the festival’s theme.

Queen of Lakes contestants are required to participate in the Mermaid Festival Parade, interviews, theme wear and formal gown competition. For the parade, they provide their own conveyance, and their float is judged for prize money. Historically, each band that participates in the parade also enters a contestant to represent their school. Queens have been selected from various communities over the years, which has broadened the publicity and outreach of the program.

The interview portion of the event is conducted the morning before the parade and pageant. Individually, each contestant spends time with the judges in a panel-style interview to give insight into their ability to communicate.

During the theme wear portion, each candidate creates an outfit and containers to collect money for their cause, all based on a certain theme. The contestant who earns the most keeps half the money, with the other half going to the Lady Lions to support local projects.

The contestants also spend a day together, getting to know one another and enjoying each others’ company. An award for Miss Congeniality is given to the contestant who earns the most votes among the group for their ability to be considerate, friendly and willing to help others.

The evening gown competition brings an elegant touch to the pageant and is always a highlight of the event. Each woman has her own unique preferences, which is shown in the diversity of the gowns selected.

The final and most challenging step to becoming Queen of Lakes or a member of the Queen’s court is the final question. Each of the four finalists are individually asked the same question, with no knowledge of the other contestants’ answers.

The North Webster Lady Lions have shown great dedication to the community through fundraisers, including the Cutie Contest, Queen of Lakes and the Christmas Bazaar, held annually in November.