Strong support for 2020 showgirl entrants
Tenterfield's 2019 Miss Showgirl Steph Kennedy faces zone judging on February 8.
The Tenterfield Show Society's reinvigorated showgirl committee is out in force to convince potential entrants in Tenterfield's 2020 Showgirl competition that the commitment is small, the returns are huge and there's plenty of support in all aspects.
Keely Mooney is of course well acquainted with the competition, having been Miss Showgirl 2018 and then selected at zone judging to go to Sydney for the state final. She's on the committee along with Ellie Griffiths, Steph Kennedy, Katrina Chisholm and Leyla Campbell, who are dividing and conquering when it comes to committee duties.
As current Miss Showgirl Steph faces zone judging in Dorrigo on February 8 (yes, clashing again with our own show) for a tilt at the Sydney trip. Keely rates her chances highly, saying Steph has been undertaking a lot of community work, participating in events and helping with water distribution.
"Any opportunity, and she puts up her hand," Keely said. "She has gone outside her comfort zone to ask to be involved."
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There's been quite a lot of interest in becoming her successor, with the deadline for entries for the 2020 Showgirl competition on January 17. Some potential entrants have already participated in a meet-and-greet on December 1, as part of a program which the committee is keen to make enjoyable for all involved.
"Our aim is to bring out the best in each girl," Keely said.
The committee is keen to have four or more entrants, which would be good for it and for the Show Society. The prospect of that happening is looking good with a number of this year's high school graduates and some older candidates expressing interest.
The 2020 Showgirl committee embodies lots of experience in Leyla Campbell, Keely Mooney, Ellie Griffiths and Steph Kennedy, along with Katrina Chisholm.
The final entrants will gather on February 1 with a special morning tea and lunch at a so-far secret location where they will enjoy a little pampering and interviews with the three judges (all out-of-towners). Keely said the interviews are not daunting, with judges focusing more on the candidate's personality.
They will then be formally introduced at the Show Dinner at Best Western The Henry Parkes Tenterfield on February 1.
"It will bring the community together to show how strong we are in the face of fire and drought," Keely said.
"The Show Society wants to thank the community for sticking with them through the hard times. We need to be proud of ourselves and each other."
The dinner is open to all and the $35 tickets cover a three-course meal with live entertainment and games.
"Ellie's in charge of entertainment and she's good at getting people laughing," Keely said.
Tickets are available now from Sherrelle's Fashions, Simply Country and Corner Life & Style. It's a family-friendly affair with discounted children's tickets.
Then at the show itself the showgirl entrants are invited to present prizes at the various competitions and participate in the grand parade, and generally make the most of the experience.
The 2020 Miss Showgirl will be announced at 6pm on the Friday of the show.
"It's not as scary as what they think," Keely said.
"It's a great committee, there's lots of support, and we're making it fun."