Ten pre-teen girls will be participating in the 2014 Stampede this month as Williams Lake Stampede Junior Princesses.
The girls were chosen based on their written entries in a contest sponsored by the Williams Lake Lions Club and the Williams Lake Tribune/Weekend Advisor.
“It was obvious by the votes, that the judges had a difficult time voting,” says Stampede Queen Committee Chair Jamie Tanis. “It was very close!”
Tanis typed out all of the 18 entries so they would look the same, then leaving off the names, gave the papers to the current Stampede Queen royals, current Stampede Queen contestants and some past royalty for judging.
Winners in the ages nine to 12 category are Denza Phung, Karis Gilbert, Ryanne Jones, Dallas Ruyter, and Amelia Burrill.
Winners in the ages six to eight category are Laura Code, Marilyn Hill, Eloise Hobi, Olivia Rowse, and Isabelle Groundwater.
Tanis asks that all of the winners contact her at wl.stampede.queen@gmail.com or by phone at 250-392-4761 for their Stampede activity schedule and to receive their matching banners and hats.
The Lions Club is donating funds to purchase tiaras and banners. The Tribune is sponsoring the cowboy hats and promotional space.
Tanis has a variety of events for the girls to enjoy including receiving their tiaras and banners on Stampede Queen coronation night June 21; being introduced to the crowd during the opening ceremonies of the Friday evening Stampede performance June 27; and riding in the Stampede Parade Saturday, June 28. All of the contestants who entered the contest are also invited to attend the Stampede breakfast with the Stampede Royalty at the Stampede Concession behind the VIP stands on Friday, June 27, at 9:30 a.m.
“I want to make it a special time for them,” Tanis says.
All 10 junior princesses will receive two tickets (one for themselves/one for a chaperone) for the Stampede Queen Coronation that will be held Saturday, June 21 at the Elks Hall starting at 7 p.m.
Additional tickets for the coronation can be purchased for $15 at the Stampede office.
The office is open behind the Grandstand Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.