Pageant contestants to compete at Tyne Valley Oyster Festival

Six contestants are ready for their chance to be crowned Miss Oyster Pearl at the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival.

On Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m., after the opening ceremonies at the Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre, the pageant contestants will model streetwear, present the talent portion of the competition and perform in a group number that they have designed.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 1, the Miss Oyster Pearl contestants will ride through Tyne Valley village in oyster dories in the Oyster Festival parade, starting at 11 a.m.

After the community awards on Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Community Sports Centre, the contestants will appear in formal wear at 4:30 p.m., and the new Miss Oyster Pearl will be crowned. Following are the contestants: Kendra Rayner, daughter of Roxanne Rayner from Inverness is representing Ellerslie Rite Stop. She plans to attend Oulton College to obtain a medical laboratory assistant diploma and then university to pursue a career in the medical field. Her talent will be public speaking.

Hannah Arsenault, daughter of Kate and Ivan Arsenault from Lennox Island, is representing the community of Lennox Island. Her future plans are to attend UPEI to study food and nutrition. Her talent will be jingle dress dancing.

Alyx Ellis, daughter of Gail and Greg Ellis from Northam is representing the community of Northam. Her future plans are to attend St. Mary’s University in Halifax to study anthropology. Her talent will be public speaking.

Samantha MacIntyre, daughter of Kendra and David MacIntryre from Bayside, is Miss Bayside. Her future plans are to attend the UNB in Fredericton to study business. Her talent will be public speaking and demonstrating examples of a rugby pass.

Laura Hardy, daughter of Georgina and Lyndon Hardy from Foxley River is representing Green Park Campground. Her future plans are to attend King’s College in Halifax to study journalism. Her talent will be singing and playing guitar.

Brianna Bradshaw, daughter of Carole and Jason Bradshaw from Freeland is representing the Freeland Women’s Institute. Her future plans are to attend Holland College to study in the dental assistant program and then to continue her education to become a dental hygienist.

The flower girl for this year’s Miss Oyster Pearl Pageant is Addison Ford, the six-year-old daughter of Andrea and Stacey Ford from Murray Road.