There were just two entrants in this year’s Miss Showgirl competition for Tenterfield, and those two – Keely Mooney and Emily Henderson – are encouraging more girls to get involved now so they can be part of the fun ahead.
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“It didn’t even feel like a competition,” Emily said.
She said it wasn’t a big time burden either, with organisers very flexible and scheduling around the girls’ work and other commitments. In all she and Keely had four events: the initial meet-and-greet, a catch-up to coordinate outfits, a judging weekend which included the show ball and, of course, the show itself.
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This all happens from early January through to the show (next year on February 8 and 9), so it fits in for those heading off to uni at the end of February, or home for the summer break.
Keely was eventually crowned Miss Showgirl 2018 and she’s heading to the zone competition in Narrabri on February 23 to represent Tenterfield. She said even preparations for that haven’t been onerous.
Throughout the year of her reign she has represented the Tenterfield Show Society at the ANZAC Day dawn service, and at other events she chose herself. She’s keen on supporting drought relief efforts wherever possible, be it through baking for stalls, selling raffle tickets, promoting events or supporting the weekend’s rodeo, for instance.
She said she has thoroughly enjoyed her association with the Show Society since her crowning. Arguably the thing that impressed her most is the dedication of the Show Society committee members.
“I definitely gained a great amount of respect for the huge effort the volunteers contribute,” Keely said.
“It takes a full year to organise the show.”
Looking back now with perspective, she said what she thought would have been challenges at the time turned out to be no big deal.
“Everything was great.”
The girls agreed that even the judging was barely that, with the judges more interested in understanding who they are, and their dreams and passions.
“They weren’t pulling us apart. There were no right or wrong answers,” Emily said.
Among the perks of participating were the gifts cards the girls received from sponsors, achieving some degree of celebrity as a showgirl contestant, and seeing parts of the show they’ve never experienced before.
“It’s not all about winning,” Keely said.
“You gain so much and the opportunities are endless. We’re passionate about sharing that with others.”
The girls strongly recommend any girls aged 18-24 get involved. Those interested can contact Keely on 0400 656 926 or showgirl steward (and former Miss Showgirl) Ellie Griffiths on 0457 530 221.
