NEW BERLIN – The New Berlin Youth Days got off to a great start last night with the crowning of Miss Youth Days at the Unadilla Valley Central School. According to Youth Days Committee President Larissa Hanslmaier, the event will continue throughout the week, “rain or shine.”
“Hopefully, the great weather on Friday and Saturday will draw a big crowd and it looks like the skies are clearing now,” she said.
The Miss Youth Days pageant which, along with the entire event, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, was well received and drew quite a crowd. Organizer Sheila Randall said she was pleased with at the turnout and thought all of the girls were doing a wonderful job. Gene Chilion, who presided over the competition as master of ceremonies, also expressed his satisfaction with the girls’ performances.
“All of the girls have just done a wonderful job this year,” he said.
The pageant was split into three groups each with its own winner, first runner-up and second runner-up. Midian Ottoson was crowned Little Miss Youth Days which was the category for girls between 5-8, and Brooke Brown became Junior Miss Youth Days in the 9-12 category. Finally, in the 13-18 age group and the most anticipated award, Kiran Borst was crowned Miss Youth Days for the year 2011.
Also, Linda Foote was presented the citizen of the year award and Abby Grace the youth of the year award. Kaitlyn Jackson provided live entertainment between groups to give the judges a chance to deliberate.
With the crowning of Miss Youth Days, the carnival can finally begin. The midway and food booth will be open Friday through Saturday and there will be many activities for children, youth and adults alike.
In addition to the prizes, rides, games and parades, the event is also an excellent opportunity for members of the community to support the youth of New Berlin.
“All of the money that is made from this event goes back to local youth organizations,” Hanslmaier said. SADD, FSA, Future Farmers and youth sports programs are just a few of the programs that benefit.
