ADA, Okla. – Three lucky young women will soon be crowned royalty during the 2012-2013 Chickasaw Princess Pageant.
The pageant will begin 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1 at the Ada High School Cougar Activity Center, in Ada, Okla.
Contestants will vie for one of three titles. Chickasaw Princess candidates are 17 to 25 years of age, while Chickasaw Junior Princess contestants are 12 to 16 years of age and Little Miss Chickasaw candidates are 7 to 11 years of age.
Chickasaw Princess candidates are; Fichik Hita (Dancing Star) Frazier, 19, Ada; Hagen Faith LeFors, 24, Ada; and Autumn Michelle Underwood, 18, also of Ada.
Chickasaw Junior Princess candidates are; Taylor Nicole Robertson, 14, Ada; Kacie Cheyenne Seeley, 14, Ada; Caitlynn Marie Sparlin, 13, Tishomingo, Okla.; Krysten Rachelle Wallace, 14, Ada; and Chelsea Lynn Wedlow, 13, Allen, Okla.
Little Miss Chickasaw candidates are; Lauren Paige Key, 8, Francis, Okla.; Cydnee Rese Miller, 8, Ada; and Payton Elise Robertson, 8, also of Ada.
During the pageant young ladies will be judged on traditional Chickasaw dress, poise and random questioning. There is also a talent portion of the competition. Past talents displayed included singing, stomp dancing and storytelling.
The newly- crowned royalty will have the honor and privilege of serving as ambassadors of the Chickasaw Nation at various functions and events across several states.
"The princess pageant is a great opportunity to see some of the best and brightest young Chickasaws demonstrate their talents and express their pride in Chickasaw culture", said Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "Our Chickasaw Princesses serve as bearers of culture and goodwill ambassadors for the Chickasaw people."
The Chickasaw princesses have been making appearances for many years. The heritage of the princesses goes back to 1963 when Ranell (James) Harry, daughter of former Chickasaw Governor Overton James, was appointed the first princess.
The 2011-2012 Chickasaw royalty are; Chickasaw Princess Nacobi Walker, Chickasaw Jr. Princess Raechell Meely, and Little Miss Chickasaw Keilyn Factor.
These young ladies will be honored for their year of service during the ceremony.
For more information about the Chickasaw Princess Pageant, call (580) 272-5508.
