After 50 years she still may be the brightest star on the showground each year, and the town is planning a big party to celebrate a half-century of Tenterfield’s Miss Showgirl.
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Janelle Hollis was the first Miss Showgirl back in 1968, and many have followed her high heels and worn the sash with pride representing the Tenterfield Show Society and the district in general, not least of all at zone judging.
Six have gone on to represent our zone at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show, and take advantage of other opportunities afforded by the title.
Miss Showgirl co-coordinates Melissa Ware and Liz Duff (nee Jarvis) – and also Miss Showgirl 2012 and 2014 respectively – are reaching out to all their counterparts over the years to gather as many as possible for a big celebration on November 25.
This 50th Anniversary Showgirl Ball is much earlier than show balls of recent years where it’s been held a week or so before the show. Mrs Duff said the aim is to give the next crop of showgirl entrants a longer involvement in the show.
Miss Ware and Mrs Duff now have a two-pronged challenge to make the anniversary ball a roaring success: to get in contact with as many former Miss Showgirls as possible, and to recruit what they hope will be the largest contingent of entrants the show has seen for some time.
Calling past Miss Showgirls
Although written records of past winners were misplaced some time ago, a scan of the Tenterfield Star archives resulted in the photo gallery above. Organisers are hoping someone in the community can help fill in two glaring omissions. There seems to be no mention in the paper of Miss Showgirl 1970, and no photo of Miss Showgirl 1975 Leigh Rivers.
Contributions of information to fill these gaps – together with any other photos, sashes and Miss Showgirl memorabilia – would be greatly appreciated by the organisers. Postal addresses of the past Miss Showgirls are also needed for the invitations.
Miss Ware can be contacted at waremelissa93@gmail.com.
Calling future Miss Showgirls
The Show Society would love this 50th anniversary of a show institution to be celebrated with a huge contingent of candidates for the Miss Showgirl 2018 title.
As the show ball is being held in November, now is the time to start organising entries. Forms are available at the Tenterfield Showgirl Facebook page, and applications close September 22.
Current titleholder Ellie Griffiths said she has greatly enjoyed her time in the role, particularly the community involvement.
“With the next one being the 50th anniversary Miss Showgirl it will be a special year to be involved and be a showgirl,” she said.
Girls aged 18-24 at the time of the show (February 9, 2018) are encouraged to apply. The winner will then hold the title for a year and represent Tenterfield as its zone representative in 2019. Details of the zone competition are yet to be announced.
While the organisers said they greatly appreciate the support of their sponsors, they are hoping to create an even bigger prize pool for the Miss Showgirl 2018 program to celebrate the milestone, and are looking for more businesses to come on board.