An introduction night was held at JoJo’s on Bradley on Tuesday evening, to acquaint contestants with the competition requirements.

The Competition aims to find a young female Ambassador for rural NSW and the agricultural show movement.  The winning Showgirl of each local Show Society is selected by a panel of three judges and remains Showgirl until the next year’s Show

Anne Starr shared her experience in the competition and gave an “insider’s” talk on being a local Showgirl, going through to the Zone finals and on to Sydney for the State finals at the Royal Easter Show.

This included advice on what to expect in the judging interviews, behaviour, dress as well as areas of knowledge required. Sponsors, politics, current events, and local knowledge were areas covered by Anne who represented Guyra in 2005.

Amber Bennett gave a talk on makeup, what to wear, general etiquette and Rita Williams talked about the history of the Showgirl competition and the Guyra Show.

Organisers are pleased with the interest shown so far, but would welcome further entries. Register your interest with Joy Saunders 0419 269 529, Kellie Lockyer 6779 2132 or Edna Mendes 0439 424 867.

Samantha Clayton, Emilia Lavin, Blanche Malcolm and Shana Byrne have already confirmed that they will take part in the competition.

The Showgirl Competition is definitely not a beauty pageant. Contestants are judged on personality, confidence, ambition and life goals, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation and speech.  Finalists must also demonstrate knowledge of their local community and current affairs.  

In addition to their potential ambassadorial qualities, contestants are also judged on their involvement in and experience of rural affairs.

Judging for the 2016 Guyra Showgirl will take place next week and the winner will be announced at the Rotary/Pre-school Christmas Carnival.