GILROY
–– If you thought your opportunity to become royalty had passed
you by, think again.
GILROY –– If you thought your opportunity to become royalty had passed you by, think again.
Friday’s deadline for the Garlic Festival Queen Pageant has been extended another week. Young ladies between the ages of 18 to 24 residing in Gilroy, Hollister, San Juan Bautista, San Martin and Morgan Hill still have four more days to apply for the scholarship contest.
The pageant extended the deadline so it could reach its preferred number of contestants, between 10 and 15 girls. Half a dozen hopefuls already have thrown their hat into the ring.
The pageant takes place May 1 at the Gavilan College theater in Gilroy at 7 p.m. It is the 26th annual competition.
“We don’t just want someone pretty to represent the Garlic Festival. We want a well-rounded young woman with an ability to speak well in public,” pageant chairwoman Kim Lemos said. “Strong interview skills are important because there are a lot of times the queens and princesses will get interviewed during the festival. They have to be able to think on their feet. They have to be intelligent young women.”
Contestant applications are now available through the Garlic Festival office, located at 7473 Monterey St. in Gilroy, or by calling the office at 408-842-1625. Applicants must file their transcript and completed application form by Friday at 5 p.m. at the Garlic Festival office.
Contestants are judged by a panel of six judges on personal interview, talent, garlic speech and evening gown at the Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant. The top three contestants will win scholarships from the Garlic Festival worth $500, $1,000 and $1,500. Other scholarships will be awarded to contestants as well.
Melissa Noto is the reigning queen. The University of California, Davis student will emcee the May 1 event.
The queen and her court represent Gilroy at various festivities leading up to the Garlic Festival. They also have the opportunity to make guest appearances in local print and electronic media, in parades and at fund-raising events. They also spend all three days at the festival with fellow lovers of the pungent bulb.
For more information, call Kim Lemos at 408-848-5358.
