Gilroy – Although participation in pageants has declined nationwide, the Gilroy Garlic Festival’s Queen competition is still going strong.
Eight women are vying for the title and for the $1,500 scholarship that comes with the crown.
The runner-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the third place winner will take home $250. The Garlic Festival Association donated $1,000 for the queen and $500 for the second place award, while Gilroy Rotary contributed two gifts of $500.
Pageant Chair Traci Dalke said the contest continues to remain popular in South County because of the publicity.
“We physically go out to the school,” Dalke said.
Dalke and other pageant representatives visit mostly leadership classes and focus on the scholarship offerings. They also hand-out applications on site.
Contestants are judged by a panel of five judges on the following: personal interview, talent, speech and evening gown. The evening gown sector also includes a random on-stage question to test the woman’s improvisational skills.
“We have a strong group of young ladies, all of whom are very talented,” Dalke said in a press release. “They are dedicated and have been working hard, rehearsing this past month.”
And, Dalke is also quick to point out that Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival isn’t just a pretty face representing a famous event. The evening gown competition reveals how “you carry yourself in a room full of professional people. Any time anyone walks into a room they’re instantly judged irregardless of who they are.”
Once the judges make their decision, Aisha ZaZa, the reigning queen, will relinquish her crown.
The new queen will serve as ambassador of the Garlic Festival, travel to Gilroy’s Japanese sister city Takko-Machi and attend various community events throughout the year.
