Michelle Culp, representing the Arthur Agricultural Society, was named Miss Congeniality in the Miss Ontario Mid West pageant held in Walkerton last weekend.
She was also one of the top 10 finalists for the crown. There were 19 competitors.
The 2010-11 Ontario Miss Mid West Queen is Brittany Graul of Milverton, sponsored by the Perth County Plowman Association. Over 300 people attended the Miss Ontario Mid West and Ontario Little Miss pageant last weekend.
Kaylee Huges of Whitechurch, age 11, was crowned Ontario Little Miss out of 12 contestants.
All contestants in both age groups took part in the opening number with the theme “Believe”. They then returned to the stage in their formal gowns.
The 2009-10 Ontario Miss Mid West Queen Jackie Burgess, accompanied by the 2009-10 Ontario Little Miss Princess Victoria Ireland presented Lucy Gowers, representing the Parkinson Society of South Western Ontario, with a cheque for $3,868.21. Burgess raised the money at numerous fundraisers during her reign, as that was her chosen charity.
The new Miss Ontario Mid West announced that, during her reign, she would be supporting the Canadian National Institute for the Blind as her chosen charity.
Pageant Director and CEO Barb MacArthur recognized five individuals from the counties the pageant represents and presented each with a medal, certificate and trophy on behalf of the pageant and a scroll from MPP Bill Murdoch. Honoured from Wellington County was Mount Forest's Ted Droog.
“These honourees are individuals who believe in what giving is to their town or community, or just for their own well being,” <MacArthur said.
She said Saturday evening's pageant was “the largest pageant in Midwestern Ontario” with a full house in attendance and over 30 competitors. Plans are already in the works for the 2011 pageant.