The Daily Dispatch

A pageant fit for a princess is back after a one-year absence.

Ten area girls ages 5 to 7 will strut their stuff July 18 in front of judges at the Wilkin County Fair in hopes of winning the prized crown and trophy. They'll have to work for it, too — all contestants will be gathering for about 14 hours of practice over the next two weeks in preparation for the evening's opening dance number.

First-time applicant Savanna Conzemius, 6, said she's excited but has yet to find a party dress. When asked what she looked forward to most, she replied, "Everything."

Contestants will participate in a question-and-answer period and attend a private interview with judges the night before. Trophies will be handed out at all competitions.

Conzemius' mother, Leann, holds a carefree attitude about the event. She was a former contestant at a high school pageant in her hometown of Milnor.

"You're going to meet six, nine, 10 other girls, and by the end of it, you'll have that many more new friends," she said. "If you win, you win, if not, oh well. You had fun and made more friends."

Nancy Grotluschen, pageant co-organizer and judge, feels the same. Her own daughters, Becky and Beth, have both attended pageants in the past.

"It was a great experience for them to learn stage presence and get to know other girls," she said.

For some girls, it also offers a chance to get over fear of public exposure. Christy Bernstein said her 6-year-old daughter, Bailey, has never really talked in front of anyone.

"I just want her to meet the girls and have fun with it," she said. "I grew up in Wahpeton, so I've been to all of the pageants before. I always said if I had a girl, she could be in it."

Shawna Korinek from Campbell, Minn., said her daughter, Madeline, is a little bashful and the pageant will be a good experience for her.

Madeline, who participates in Just for Kix, said she's thrilled about dancing in front of a crowd.

"Because everybody will cheer and clap for us," she said.

The pageant first started in 1992. Look for additional photos of the contestants in the Daily News next week.

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