Winona Peach Festival

Queens & Princesses

A walk down memory lane!

     The first pageant was in 1967 and run by Cam Hooton and John Van Essen.  The first Queen crowned was Johanna Van Essen with Georgina Smith and Lindsay Poole as her ladies in waiting.    The pageant contestants were required to be between 16 - 21 and from the Winona - Grimsby areas.  There were 18 contestants in 1967.  The contestants wore colourful costumes dating back to the late 1800's and early 1900's.  The contestants were judged on personality, talent, poise, interests, ambitions and dress.  The Queen received a $100 bank account with the account number 1867-1967.  The cost for entering the pageant was $10.00.   The next pageant wasn't until 1974 and it was run by Jean Swackhammer.  This was the beginning to the present day pageant.   The contestants had to reside in the City, (Town) of Stoney Creek, be sponsored by WPF member organizations and be between the ages of 16 – 19.  This is still the criteria!   Over the years, the girls received $100 and had to purchase their outfit and turn in the receipts to the Pageant committee.  Their ability to spend wisely was one of the areas that the girls were judged on.  The contestants now receive $125 to outfit themselves for the pageant.   Contestants are still judged on their poise, personality, dress and now they are also judged on their public speaking ability in both a speech and impromptu questions.