Kelowna

This Friday night at the Kelowna Community Theatre, seven local girls aged 16-18 will participate in their final night of the Lady of the Lake Pageant. The Lady of the Lake pageant has been running for more than 80 years, with the winner of each pageant year going on to represent the city as Miss Kelowna.

Photo: Contributed

The Lady of the Lake is a young woman who has a personal presence that leaves a favourable and lasting impression. She has the integrity to meet anyone in an honest and genuine manner, the self assurance and judgement to converse intelligently, the finesse to meet dignitaries in any social setting, the natural warmth and grace of a young lady, as well as the intelligence, talent, good health, fitness, and excellent public speaking skills.  Combined with the fact that she has an awareness of herself as an individual, and you have the young woman who is the Ambassador of Kelowna.

Since beginning the Lady of the Lake program in March, the girls have been spending their Mondays in training sessions on various topics, from public speaking, self-defense, tourism, local history, and more. The candidates have gone through several judged events that include public speaking, area knowledge, an etiquette dinner, speech and talent night, fashion show, judged interviews, and a volunteering essay.

Friday night’s Pageant night at the KCT includes a dance number, sponsor presentation, impromptu speech, farewell speeches of reigning ambassadors, awards presentation, and of course, the crowning of Miss Kelowna and Miss Kelowna Princess.

Candidate Kristi Anutooshkin, who is sponsored by Castanet, tells us how much appreciation she has for the program. “This year was amazing,” she says. “It was such an awesome experience! I learned so many life skills, especially public speaking, and made lots of great friends. Over all it's been a fantastic year!”

As for Friday night’s pageant - the girls’ big night - she’s been looking forward to it all year. “I am looking forward to everything in the pageant, but especially finding out the results for all the awards! There is also an after party that I am really excited for,” Anutooshkin says. “And good luck to all the girls!” she added.

The reigning Lady of the Lake and Princess, as well as the current year Candidates, attend numerous events and charitable activities where they provide volunteer assistance in support of Kelowna and area community programs. They are always accompanied by chaperones.

The Lady of the Lake Pageant Night is at the Kelowna Community Theatre at 7 pm Friday night. Tickets are available at the door for $17.