- Last Updated on Sunday, 28 August 2016 01:03
By Jill Brown
The second annual Miss Mid Mon Valley pageant had to be moved to its sponsor's location – Zelenski Bridal and Prom Shoppe in Charleroi – from the original Market House location because of the rain. The pageant was held on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at 11 a.m. It was free of charge and all were welcome to attend. The big crowd was standing-room only.
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| Pictured are (l-r): Dawson Fair Queen Olivia Lowther, 17, of Vanderbilt; Mrs. Mid Mon Valley Natalie Romano of Monongahela; Miss Teen Mid Mon Valley Morgan Perry, 13, of Perryopolis; and Miss Mid Mon Valley Deven McQuay of Bentleyville. |
Pageant director Jennifer Watkins-Vinsick, who won the title of Miss Mid Mon Valley in 1994 and later Miss Pennsylvania USA, charmed as announcer. She said, “I’m excited as always. It’s definitely a different year due to the fact that it’s raining.”
It was an all-ages competition in nine divisions, ranging from Baby Mid Mon Valley for contestants up to 11 months to the Mrs. Mid Mon Valley division for women 18 and older. Miss Mid Mon Valley was for 16- to 18-year-olds. Every contestant was beautiful and had something different to offer.
Winners of Miss Mid Mon Valley and Miss Teen Mon Valley are awarded a $200 gift certificate toward their entry in the Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA and Miss Pennsylvania USA pageants. There is also the honor of the title, the crown and the banner, plus parades and appearances.
Awards were given out for a variety of unique categories such as best-dressed, nicest hair, and best smile. They all competed in photogenic, personality and evening gown divisions.
Watkins-Vinsick concluded, “I think we have a good group of girls (about 20) and their families to support them. God only gives us what we can handle, and we can handle this [change of location for the day]. It’s about building self-esteem in these girls that’s going to help them not only in this, but in college and in life.”
