The new Osoyoos Royalty were crowned Thursday night at their pageant. Emmaleigh Diwell (centre), Miss Elks Lodge, was named Miss Osoyoos. Laura Devries (left), Miss Osoyoos Credit Union, was chosen as a princess and Taryn Aspell, Miss Cascade Stucco, was chosen as the other princess. (Richard McGuire photo)
A new Miss Osoyoos, Emmaleigh Diwell, was crowned last Thursday, along with two new princesses, Taryn Aspell and Laura Devries.
The new Osoyoos Royalty team made its first public appearance during Cherry Fiesta on Friday, following a pageant and coronation last Thursday at the Sonora Community Centre.
The girls showed up for the Rotary pancake breakfast and later rode on the Osoyoos Festival Society’s float in the parade down Main Street.
Last Thursday’s pageant was the culmination of six months of work and preparation. The girls participated in several judged events over the prior months, including a talent show, modeling and speeches.
At the pageant, they were judged on their arrivals in evening gowns as well as their short answers to an impromptu question.
The three girls were crowned by retiring Royalty. The pageant was also a chance for the departing members to say their farewells.
Retiring Miss Osoyoos, Emma Fernandes, and princesses Bailey Toepfer and Tianna Morgan, talked about their experiences over the past year as they thanked their sponsors and others involved in the Royalty program.
There were laughs and more than a few tears.
Also appearing on stage were sponsors and “Little Buddies,” young girls who assist Royalty members.
Diwell is sponsored by Elks Lodge #436, Aspell by Cascade Stucco and Devries by Osoyoos Credit Union.
Their Little Buddies respectively are Addison Turnbull, Payton Richardson and Brooklyn Pires.
Little Buddies of the outgoing Royalty also participated and received thanks. Willow Logan was Fernandes’ little buddy, Kaylie Lino was buddy to Toepfer and Jordan Kazakoff was buddy to Morgan.
After the girls were crowned, Mayor Sue McKortoff, a long-time supporter of the Royalty program, administered an oath of office.
MP Richard Cannings attended and presented House of Commons certificates.
MLA Linda Larson was unable to attend.
RICHARD McGUIRE
South Okanagan Digital Editor/Photographer
Royalty contests appeared on stage in their gowns. From left are Taryn Aspell, Laura Devries and Emmaleigh Diwell. (Richard McGuire photo)
Little buddies exchange flowers and hugs with the retiring Royalty, Emma Fernandes, Tianna Morgan and Bailey Toepfer. Hugging Morgan is Jordan Kazakoff and at right waiting to present flowers is Willow Logan, Fernandes’ little buddy. (Richard McGuire photo)
Retiring Miss Osoyoos, Emma Fernandes, places her crown on the head of new Miss Osoyoos, Emmaleigh Diwell. Diwell’s little buddy, Addison Turnbull, holds the flowers. (Richard McGuire photo)
Retiring Royalty from left are Princess Tianna Morgan, Miss Osoyoos Emma Fernandes and Princess Bailey Toepfer. (Richard McGuire photo)
Emmaleigh Diwell was crowned as the new Miss Osoyoos. (Richard McGuire photo)
At back are retiring Royalty Bailey Toepfer, Emma Fernandes and Tianna Morgan. In front are new Royalty Laura Devries, Emmaleigh Diwell and Taryn Aspell. The two girls in the middle are MIss Osoyoos, retiring and new, and the other girls are princesses. (Richard McGuire photo)
