Virden toddler crowned ‘Baby Miss’ at national pageant
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/08/2016 (3515 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A Westman toddler was crowned “Baby Miss” at the National Canadian Girl, Teen & Miss Pageant earlier this summer.
Nineteen-month-old Nuala Harkness of Virden competed along with 72 other delegates at the three-day event, held at Edmonton’s West Edmonton Mall.
Nuala’s mother, Stefanie Harkness, said she was drawn to the pageant because of its focus on building self-esteem, confidence and lasting friendships.
“They’re supposed to be competitors, but they’re more like friends,” Harkness said. “Kids all different ages, they play together. The older ones help out the younger ones — it was a very positive experience.”
Nuala has been participating in Canadian pageants since she was six months old. Harkness said her daughter enjoys the experience, and they have connected with families from across the country through the process.
“This past weekend, we met up with one of the other contestants … and enjoyed a full day at the zoo,” Harkness said.
The age range of participants was from eight months old to 55 years old. A total of 12 winners were crowned, ranging from Baby Miss to Ambassador.
“She just really enjoys being out there and waving and smiling with the audience,” Harkness said.
According to ncgpageant.com, the focus is to build self-esteem, teach good sportsmanship, teach poise and public speaking, and the importance of being involved in your community.
“NCGTM is an All Natural Pageant that is judged on personality, ability to speak in public, and is not a ‘Beauty Pageant,’” states the website. “Any girl who lives in Canada between the ages of 0-59 is welcome to compete. Any size, shape, ethnicity, ability, etc … is welcome here.”
A major aspect of the event is encouraging volunteerism and giving back to the community. The Harkness family sold used books and donated proceeds to the The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. They also handed out necessity kits for local people in need, containing daily personal items such as soap, oral care, towels, Kleenex and hats and mittens.
Nuala was appointed the title of Baby Miss Manitoba 2016 earlier this year, after the provincial event was cancelled.
Winners receive a scholarship award, as well as other prizes. Harkness explained they receive half of the scholarship at the time of the event, and the remainder at next year’s national pageant, which will be held in Vancouver.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
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