Eight motivated and eager candidates are competing this year in the New Melle Festival Queen Pageant program - Elisabeth Grethey, Kate Hunt, Jordyn Burbes, Lilly Murphy, Julia Joerling,  Avery Gibbs, Tammy Deason, and Avery Smith. So far, the candidates have participated in the March 11 Defiance St. Patrick's Parade and  gathered for an evening of friendship and fellowship at a local restaurant to meet this year's judges. The young ladies were excited about the New Melle Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt held on April 1 at the VFW. Although helping behind the scenes, you couldn’t miss the candidates dressed in their Pageant shirts generously donated by New Melle Dental. One of the candidates, Jordyn Burbes, kindly volunteered to fulfill the role of the Easter Bunny. She did a fantastic job. Thank you, Jordyn!

Photo from the "Meet the Judges Dinner" (L-R): Elisabeth Grethey, sponsored by The Red Beauty Salon; Kate Hunt, sponsored by Intelligent Plumbing; Jordyn Burbes, sponsored by Catala House; Lilly Murphy, sponsored by Living the Dream Outdoor Properties; Julia Joerling, sponsored by Porky Joerling Trucking; Avery Gibbs, sponsored by Kolb Grading; Tammy Deason, sponsored by Rende Contracting LLC. Not pictured: Avery Smith, sponsored by Twisted Sugar.