Pioneer Princess crowned in Negaunee

Negaunee’s Pioneer Days are already underway, but now they have their princess.

Fifteen girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years old vied to be crowned the 2013 Pioneer Princess tonight at Negaunee High School.

Contestants started off the show with a little singing and dancing before introducing themselves to the crowd. After a quick wardrobe change, candidates squared off in a question and answer competition where judges measured their personality, poise, and appearance. But for most girls, winning is the last thing on their minds.

“Granted every girl wants to win, but we tell them everyday, especially today, ‘We don’t care who wins.’ I’m here because I want them to have fun. I did this when I was little every year I was eligible, and it’s a ball. So, for them to come out and have fun, it’s amazing. I had one little girl tell me her first year, ‘I’m glad I didn’t win.’ You never hear that. You always hear the crying. So, I said, ‘Why?’ She goes, “Because I want to come back next year and have more fun.'” explained Eyricka Oglesby, a Coordinator for the Pioneer Princess Pageant.

This year’s princess will be given a sash and tiara to wear while she rides the float in Saturday’s Pioneer Days parade. But her duties don’t end there. She’ll throw out the first pitch at the alumni softball tournament championship, perform the first dunk at the NIT slam dunk contest, and hang out with Santa come November.

If you’d like your daughter to participate in next year’s competition, keep an eye open for their registration during the last two weeks at Negaunee schools.