Five vie for Garlic Queen

Five contestants are vying for the title, but only one will be crowned Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Saturday night.
Geared toward young women, the queen’s major responsibility is to he the representative of Gilroy.
“She will be the goodwill ambassador for Gilroy and she will represent the festival at different functions,” said Jennifer Speno, chairwoman of the pageant activities for this year.
For the past 10 years, the contestants have represented Gilroy at the city’s sister city in Japan, Takko Machi, which holds an annual beef and garlic festival.
The pageant is open to contestants that live, reside or work in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin, I lollister or San Juan Bautista. The queen receives two $500 scholarships.
The five contestants are 20-year-old Sarah Celeste Beams; Amanda Mosier Martin, 19; Andrea Michelle Bertero, 20; Wendy Kathleen McAllister, 24; and 18-year-old Elyssa Lynn Xavier.
The contestants each perform a talent and this year three will sing and two will dance.
Many of the contestants have completed community service, such as volunteering at South Valley Hospital, the San Martin Animal Shelter, the Gilroy Garlic Festival and the Lord’s Table.
The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard. A $5 donation is asked. Details: 842-1625.
Garlic Festival Queen Contestants
Amanda Mosier Martin Age: 19
Talent: Sing
From: Morgan Hill Comment: I had the most awesome time last year being a part of the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Court….I also made some lasting friendships and hope I can do the same this year.
Andrea Michelle Bertero Age: 20
From: Gilroy
Talent: Will sing “Can’t I Help Lovin’ That Man”
Comment: I plan to get a doctorate In whatever field I end up pursuing. My current Interests Include music … or behavioral sciences.
Elyssa Lynn Xavier
Age: 18
From: Morgan I lilt
Talent: Will perform a Tau
dance
Comment: Last year’s pageant
was very exciting and rewarding for me. I am very happy to
be back again.
Sarah Celeste Beams
Age: 20
From: Gilroy
Talent: Will perform a ballet pointe dance to music from Swan Lake Comment: Being a part of the Garlic Festival would be a great honor to me. I love garlic and I love Gilroy.
Wendy Kathleen
McAllister
Age: 24
From: Gilroy
Talent: Will sing a country music selection Comment: I am the fifth of seven girls in my family and will be an aunt for the seventh time in May. This is a role I love to play.