Shrimp Festival Queens Pageant applications sought
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
Applications are now being accepted for the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival Queens Pageant.
Pageant Chair Lion Buffy Roper, who took over the Shrimp Festival Queens Pageant two years ago, said it’s a great event.
Contestants, women between the ages of 17 and 22, are invited to apply for the 61st annual Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival Queens Pageant. The pageant is not just open for Fort Myers Beach residents, but people from around the area.
“It’s such a big tradition of Fort Myers Beach and fun to be apart of,” she said. “It’s not a beauty contest. It’s just someone who is involved in the community.”
The application, which can be found at fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com/event/queens-pageant/, is due by Friday, Feb. 15 and can be sent to Lion Buffy Roper, Fort Myers Beach Lions Club, 477 Donora Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, or emailed to buffyroper@aol.com.
In addition to the contestant’s name, age and education, potential queens are also required to write a short bio, 100 to 150 words about themselves, which includes interests, activities and goals.
Those who apply must be available to appear at all the events for judging, the Festival Parade and the Shrimp Festival from 10 a.m. to noon March 9.
Last year Roper said she had 12 participants, who were all princesses. She said this year she would like to have eight to 10.
Roper said they have a poster party and each contender talks to the judges and shares information about themselves.
“Every girl rides in a corvette. They sit in the back and wave,” she said of the parade.
The Queens Pageant takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. March 9, at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, 950 Estero Blvd. Each contestant will receive a special gift and trophies and prizes will be awarded to the queen, first runner up, second runner up, Miss Personality, Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic.
“It’s a fun, memorable experience,” Roper said.