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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 years 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, theres no more relaxing.
At Saturdays 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 Childrens Hospital, Adventureland and several
restaurants in the area while they rehearse and prepare for the
final competition.
Its been an amazing experience, said Long Islands
representative, Alyse Zwick originally of Scarsdale. Zwick works
with an entertainment company in the Five Towns area. Was she nervous?
Ive worked hard, so Im excited. Ive 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.
Its really a milestone for women to go this far,
said Petrone when asked why he became involved with the pageants.
Its not a beauty contest, its 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.
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