TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
Miss NY Hopefuls At Oheka
Town officials welcome contestants who will compete on Saturday
By Jillian Capewell/ info@longislandernews.com

With its classic splendor, views of Cold Spring Hills and Cold Spring Harbor, and lush gardens, Oheka Castle seems to be fit for a princess. On Monday, July 14, the castle saw 19 poised, tiara-clad ladies who could fit the bill - but royal aspirations were not on their mind.

Contestants representing various regions of New York State, who will go on to compete in this year’s Miss New York pageant at Five Towns College in Dix Hills on Saturday, had arrived for a welcoming reception hosted by Town of Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone.

“Ladies,” said Petrone when addressing the women, “we want this to be an informal and relaxing afternoon. Because after this, there’s no more relaxing.”

At Saturday’s pageant, $20,000 in educational scholarships are at stake, and the winner of Miss New York will go on to compete at the Miss America pageant this January. In the week leading up to the main event, contestants will visit Long Island sites such as Schneider Children’s Hospital, Adventureland and several restaurants in the area while they rehearse and prepare for the final competition.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” said Long Island’s representative, Alyse Zwick originally of Scarsdale. Zwick works with an entertainment company in the Five Towns area. Was she nervous? “I’ve worked hard, so I’m excited. I’ve put a lot of preparation into it,” she said.

Along with competitions in eveningwear, swimwear and talent, contestants are interviewed by the panel of judges, which Paul Brown, co-executive director along with Linda Carbo of the Miss New York organization, said can “run the gamut...they have their work cut out for them.”

“Businesses here have worked closely with us to put on the week of the pageant,” said Brown. “You have to have the support of the community.”

Supervisor Petrone has been an active supporter of the organization, first as a judge for Miss Long Island. This year, he will be on the judging board for the Miss New York competition.

“It’s really a milestone for women to go this far,” said Petrone when asked why he became involved with the pageants. “It’s not a beauty contest, it’s about scholarship and looking to pick out leaders.”

According to Petrone, Huntington seemed an ideal location for the competition.
“People see Huntington as a very progressive, diverse place,” he said. “Certainly, Huntington has a place for Miss America.”