Recently the contestants for the 2016 Miss River Days Pageant gathered for an informational meeting that outlined the role and expectations for each contestant.
This year’s contestants include, Kayla Phipps from Glenwood High School, Hope Shepherd from Northwest, Mackenzie Brown from Notre Dame, Tori Reffit from Minford, Colbie Hanes of South Webster, Maggie Salmons of Wheelersburg, Emily Hicks of Portsmouth, Jordan Keys of East, Kayliegh Coleman of West, Alaina Stowers of Clay, Kaylynn Blizzard of Green and Abbie Wright of Valley.
Lori Lowe, pageant director said the theme of this year’s pageant is, “River Days Goes Rio. We’re going to be celebrating the Summer Olympics.”
She said each of the contestants will design their floats for the festival parade depicting an Olympic event.
She said the opening of the pageant will resemble to the celebration held for the opening of the Summer Olympics, and that’s something organizers are particularly excited about.
Lowe said the recent meeting of pageant contestants, is the start of a journey that will conclude at the festival.
“Today, they (contestants) will get all of the expectations for all summer. We’re hoping they start working with their pageant mom’s today, to develop a platform,” Lowe said. “A plat form has to be something they commit to and be proud of. This has become a large part of the festival and the work, the River Days Pageant does. They also need to start planning their community service events; we’ll be looking for those throughout the community.”
Each of the contestants has to choose a platform and organize a community service event around it.
When asked about this year’s contestants Lowe said, “as always the high schools do a great job, in sending us a well rounded group of girls. I’m sure they will all standout as individuals. Today starts the building of those relationships, friendships.”
While the journey for pageant contestants is just getting started, she said the journey will continue for current title holders.
The contestants and current title holders will be participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
She said the parade kicks off the spring travel season for the River Days Queens. The queens participate in Ohio Festivals and Events Association events.
Current title holds area Brooklyn McBee is the 2015 Miss River Days, Whitney Jenkins is first runner up and Juliana Logan is second runner up.
For more information about the River Days Festival visit portsmouthriverdays.org or find them on Facebook.
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