ADA, Okla. – Three lucky young women will soon be crowned royalty during the 2012-2013 Chickasaw Princess Pageant Oct. 1.
The deadline to apply for one of the Chickasaw Princess vacancies is August 31.
Contestants will vie for one of three titles. Chickasaw Princess candidates are 17 to 25 years of age; Chickasaw Junior Princess contestants are 12 to 16 years of age and Little Miss Chickasaw candidates are 7 to 11 years of age.
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.
"Crowning the new Chickasaw princesses is always a time of strong emotions as the current princesses pass the torch to the newly crowned royalty," 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.
Applications may be picked up at the Youth and Family Services building on Seabrook Road in Ada or on the web at www.chickasaw.net. Applications must then be returned to the Princess Program at the Division of Youth and Family Services, 231 Seabrook Road, Ada, OK 74820.
In addition to completing the application, princess hopefuls must write an essay, have three letters of reference from non-relatives and submit a 5x7 self-portrait.
Applicants must be residents of the Chickasaw Nation, be at least one-quarter Chickasaw, be a registered Chickasaw citizen, be the required age by the date of the pageant, never have been married, must not have any children, must never have served as a princess in the respective category.
Contestants must also attend an orientation workshop and must provide their traditional dress.
For more information about the Chickasaw Princess Pageant, call (580) 272-5508.
