It was an evening of cheers and plenty of happy tears.
On Friday night, Cheyanne Friess, Miss Italo Canadese, was crowned Miss Trail 2013 while Emily Dawson, Miss Trail Legion, was selected as Trail Princess.
It was a night filled with honours for Friess who was also named Miss Congeniality (an award voted by fellow ambassadors); and “most dedicated”, an award for recognition of complete and uncompromising dedication.
“I am so happy and excited,” she said just after being crowned. “I am most looking forward to travelling around B.C., meeting people, and representing Trail.”
For seven months Friess and the six vying candidates trained for the big night, which included honing essay and speech writing skills, practising public speaking, and an introduction to proper etiquette.
However, Friess said that the best lesson she has learned so far, is to “just be yourself.”
“Over the course of the program I never changed who I was, and that is a big strength to learn,” she said.
“And it is important to hold your head high and be confident in yourself.”
After a whirlwind weekend leading the 50th Silver City Days celebrations, Friess is looking forward to her next duty as Miss Trail, which is to attend a “Little Miss” pageant in New Denver this weekend.
Emily Dawson was recognized for her writing, speaking and talent achievements with the History Award sponsored by the Trail Historical Society, Knights of Pythias Speech Award for her “Leadership” essay and Benson Oil Talent Award for a highland dance routine.
“I have always loved travelling B.C. and meeting new people, so I am really excited,” she said.
Miss Kiwanis Club, Rebecca King was recognized for her personal growth and potential when she received the Blossom Award, and the Olive Morey “Perseverance” Award for adhering to exceptional commitment in the face of adversity.
Friday night’s program showcased several unique talents and highlighted each candidates’s hard work, dedication and passion for their community.
“Every year I look forward to the pageant,” said Trail Mayor Dieter Bogs.
“I meet the girls early in the year and am always so impressed by how much they learn and their fantastic display of talents in the show.”
A large crowd gathered in Charles Bailey Theatre to watch the pageant, which opened with the much anticipated presentation of past royalty.
Twenty-seven past queens, beginning from 1951 to 2011, appeared on the stage to give a royal wave to the crowd, and receive a bouquet of flowers, and small token of thanks from Mayor Bogs.
“I cannot thank enough all the queens who came back to Trail for this very special event to mark the 50th anniversary of Silver City Days.”
Councillor and committee member, Eleanor Gattafoni-Robinson said the pageant lead to a weekend of memories that she will never forget.
“It was beautiful to see how, by bringing all these girls back together, rekindled lost friendships,” she said.
“And they all asked me,”when can we come back and do this again?’