POULSBO — Six local women will compete for the chance to represent their community’s heritage at the Miss Viking Fest pageant next weekend.
The annual pageant, which begins at 6:30 p.m. April 24 at Christ Memorial Church, has a theme of “South of the Border.” From the six contestants, ages 16-17, Miss Viking Fest and two princesses will be chosen.
This year’s Miss Viking Fest contestants are:
•Lauren Hoffman, 16, a junior at North Kitsap High School. Hoffman is a member of the Zero Gravity dance team, volunteers at St. Olaf’s child care, attends her church youth group and her hobbies include writing, dancing and music. She is sponsored by Poulsbo Burger King and Consolidated Mortgage and Lending Services.
•Allexondra Noble, 16, a sophomore at Olympic High School. Noble has been hula dancing since she was 9 years old, is a member of honor roll and FCCLA Leadership group and enjoys dancing, music and playing bass guitar. She is sponsored by Mary Kay and John L. Scott Agent Tara O’Hara.
•Teresa Scott, 17, a junior at North Kitsap High School. Scott is involved in athletic medicine, 4-H and is a lifeguard at Naval Submarine Base Bangor who enjoys sewing, cooking and church youth group. She is sponsored by Liberty Bay Auto, Island Hammer, LLC and Dr. Yuhn.
•Crystal Henderson, 16, a junior at North Kitsap High School. Henderson is involved in gymnastics and the junior float committee and her hobbies include swimming, hanging with friends, and going to concerts. She is sponsored by Victoria’s Antiques & Collectibles, Designs Unlimited and North West Cabinets.
•Andrea Strunk, 16, a sophomore at North Kitsap High School. Strunk is involved in Zero Gravity dance team, church youth group and choir and her hobbies include writing songs, singing and dancing. She is sponsored by J’aime Les Crepes and Consolidated Mortgage.
•Jessica Endresen, 16, a junior at North Kitsap High School. Endresen is involved in Key Club International, gymnastics and the Suquamish UCC and her hobbies include traveling, music, and art. She is sponsored by Brenda Prowse Properties, Kitsap Towing and Armstrong Fitness University.
Contestants will be judged on an interview, impromptu question, speech about Viking Fest and evening gown competition. The speeches, which range from serious to silly, replace the traditional talent competition that many local pageants require.
Besides the chance to reign over Poulsbo’s annual Norwegian Constitution Day celebration, May 14-16, contestants will also be vying for scholarship money from the Viking Fest Corporation. Last year, Miss Viking Fest Jessica Styron received $1,000 while princesses Megan Brose and Ashley Ogle received $500 each.
The newly chosen Viking Fest court will also represent their community at various festivals throughout the region.
The April 24 pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. and the doors open at 5:30 p.m. for festival seating. Tickets can be bought at the door or ahead of time from any of the Miss Viking Fest contestants.
