The Apple of Ellijay's Eye: The 2008 Apple Queen Pageant

This October ushers in the 21st Annual Apple Queen Pageant, presented by director Hannah Baker and the Ellijay Lions Club. This year, Baker and the Ellijay Lions Club have chosen the theme of "An Ellijay Tradition" for the pageant, and have invited former Apple Queens to participate in the event as entertainment, helpers, even emcees.
The goal of this pageant and its theme is to showcase how successful the former Apple Queens have been. Many of the women have gone on to great successes, not only in competitions but also in academics, business and family life. Some of the women have become high profile business leaders, educators, and on-air personalities.
Baker and the Ellijay Lions Club are taking a new direction with the pageant this year. With the representation of the former queens and the new all-female format, the pageant will be "all about the girls," notes Baker. She goes on to say, "We are trying to make the point that pageants can take you places, both socially and in the work force."
Applications for the pageant are available at all public schools and the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, with age divisions ranging from the 'Wee Apple' which is 0 to eleven months old to 'Miss Apple Queen,' which is for junior and seniors in high school. The deadline to enter is September 10, but applications will be accepted until September 17. However, any contestants who submit applications after September 10 will not have their photos in the pageant program or the Times-Courier. The entrance fee is $40.
Each participant in the Apple Queen pageant will receive a medal, regardless if they win or not. Awards for each of the ten age divisions to be given out will consist of division winners, first and second runner-up, most photogenic, prettiest smile, prettiest hair, Miss Congeniality, and people's choice. For those participating in the most photogenic, contestants will need to submit an unframed eight by 11 photo. The attire for the pageant will be pageant wear, formal and Sunday best; there is no sportswear or swimwear category in the Apple Pageant.
The traditional parade float hosting the winners of the Apple Pageant will again be riding along in the Apple Festival parade this year. It had been retired, but Baker and the Ellijay Lions Club decided to reinstate the float.
Baker also states, "We are still looking for sponsorship from area businesses and they can contact myself or any Lion for more information. Booths are available for renting at the pageant to sell wares and pageant related items, or just to promote their business."
Again, applications are available at any public school in Gilmer County or at the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the pageant or sponsorship, contact Hannah Baker at 706-889-0679 or e-mail hannahb@ellijay.com.