Nearly 100 Plant City-area contestants will vie for top honors at the second Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival Pageant March 29, at Keel and Curley Winery.
And although every contestant gets a crown, not all can be queen.
“If they’re walking across that stage to be judged, they deserve a crown, because of their confidence,” organizer Julie Hasting said. “I wish they could all win.”
The pageant is a benefit for the first Sweet Heart’s Gala on May 17, at the Strawberry Festival Expo Hall. The gala will help raise awareness and funds for local families battling childhood cancer.
“Without us helping them, it’s hard to go forward with the project,” Hasting said.
Last year, the pageant benefitted Plant City elementary student Morgan Pierce, who is battling cancer. The pageant raised about $2,000, a trip to the beach and some gift certificates.
Tickets for the gala also will be sold at the pageant.
This year, organizers have come up with some unique ways to raise funds and fun. In addition to the crownings, there will be a People’s Choice Award. Audience members can vote with their dollars for their favorite contestant.
“We’re hoping to raise more money that way and maybe bring out the grandparents and other family members,” Hasting said.
Organizers still are accepting items for the new silent auction, as well.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
2014 Blueberry Pageant
WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon, and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29
WHERE: Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City
HOW TO DONATE
Blueberry Pageant organizers will accept sponsors and silent auctions items up until the pageant date. To donate call Julie Hasting at (813) 695-1783.
MEET THE QUEEN CONTESTANTS
Savannah Blanton, 16
SCHOOL: Strawberry Crest High
ACTIVITIES: Savannah currently is studying nursing/health sciences and plans to continue her studies at University of Central Florida for nursing. She enjoys church youth activities, cross country, soccer, cooking, going to the beach and hanging out with friends.
Georgia Foster, 17
SCHOOL: Strawberry Crest High
ACTIVITIES: Georgia is a member of the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Varsity Cheer Team, Brandon All-Stars. In her spare time, she volunteers at an assisted-living facility, and she is a certified lifeguard.
Amber Ham, 18
SCHOOL: Plant City High, HCC
ACTIVITIES: Amber is a 2014 PCHS Calendar Girl. She is working on a cosmetology state board license and aspires to own her own full-service salon and spa within the next 10 years. She enjoys volunteering at elementary schools in her spare time and spending time with her family and friends.
Meghan Ellen Mack, 19
SCHOOL: University of N. Florida
ACTIVITIES: Meghan is a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, an honor student and was awarded most valuable swimmer. She enjoys reading, babysitting, cooking and swimming.
Shelby St. Amant, 19
SCHOOL: HCC
ACTIVITIES: After HCC, Shelby plans to transfer to Florida State University to major in sports management and law. Shelby enjoys clogging, line dancing, volunteering at Shriners Hospital for Children and being a member of the Newsome FFA Alumni.
Brooke Wyatt, 18
SCHOOL: Plant City High School
ACTIVITIES: Brooke is an honor-roll student, part of 4-H and yearbook. She also ran cross country. Brooke has aspirations to attend medical school and hopes to become a pediatrician.
FULL CONTESTANT LINEUPS
Mr. Tiny (ages 3 & 4)
Dylan Brewington
Mr. Little (ages 5 & 6)
David Ramirez
Bud (age 2)
Sutton Duncan
Tayli O’Neal
Khloe Overstreet
Jaycee Pawelezyk
Kinsley Wetherington
Kelsee Williamson
Tiny (ages 3 to 4)
Jaycee Ackerson
Demi Atkinson
Annabelle Baggett
Abigail Bollinger
Brooklynn Brewer
Aubrey Duncan
Kennedy Duncan
Kayln Feaster
Astin Hallman
Audra Helms
Tristyn Hays
Camille Jewel
Sophia Overstreet
Little (ages 5 to 6)
Alli Taylor
Bella Bikowski
Hayven Harrell
Kiersten Cramer
Lacey Alderman
Sammie Watson
Michelle Wilson
Andrea Pollard
Kyla Buczek
Emma Simmons
Marley Lynn Short
Sophie Griffis
Kyndell Drawdy
Summerlyn Baker
Avery Wright
Olivia Moore
Sariah Valdez
Junior (ages 7 to 9)
Kylie Arnold
Skyler Barber
Madison Brewer
Kennedy Cepero
Cheyenne Cramer
Caitlin Davis
Olivia Davis
Emmerson Givens
Kyleigh Glenn
Ashtyn Hallman
Bailee Hitchner
Hayden Jeffries
Bridget McLaughlin
Alayna Morua
Fe Ramirez
Makayla Register
Taylor Smith
Hanna Watson
Brooklyn Zajac
Pre-Teen
(ages 10 to 12)
Brianna Alderman
Dallas Baker
Jada Brown
Cassidy Coburn
Elizabeth Eakins
Haven Futch
Morgan Gill
Alyssa Grimes
Madison Harden
Aleena Jaramillo
Kamille Long
Kendall Long
Chelsey Loyd
Autumn Miller
Morgan Nolan
Natalie Patton
Grace Siebenthal
Haylee Thomas
Magen Wladyka
Kaily Yacinich
Teen (ages 13 to 15)
Halei Alderman
Faith Behanna
Selena Berrios
Grace Daigle
Brenda Dixon
Taylor Harden
Savannah Kummelman
Chloie Pope
Haley Riley
Kaylee Stallard
Kiersten Struth
Jessica Tillis
Hannah Wright
Miss (ages 16 to 19)
Savannah Blanton
Georgia Foster
Amber Ham
Meghan Mack
Shelby St. Amant
Brooke Wyatt