(Editor’s note: Space constraints in the Aug. 10 issue of The Times did not allow for full coverage of the pageants that are part of Park Fete Week, the Miss Escalon and Little Miss and Mr. Escalon contests. This week, we offer an expanded look at these events.)
Under the direction of new pageant coordinators Samantha Corriea and Sierra Johnson, both the Miss Escalon and Little Miss and Mr. Escalon pageants ran smoothly this Park Fete season.
Ten contestants sought the title of Miss Escalon: Haylee Castro, Gracie Bracco, Makayla Wentzell, Jessica Pantoja, Olivia Beebe, Johanna Romero, Bailey Dugo, Isabella Nalbandian, Emelyn Pantoja and Ashley Wells.
Crowned Miss Escalon 2022 at the pageant on Aug. 3 was Isabella Nalbandian and her court includes first runner up Jessica Pantoja, second runner up and Miss Congeniality Bailey Dugo, Miss Inspirational Gracie Bracco and Miss Photogenic Olivia Beebe.
There were 11 girls in the running for Little Miss Escalon, with five boys vying for Little Mr. Escalon honors. Girls competing in the Aug. 4 pageant were Abigail Engle, Raegan Shepherd, Jezebel Pires, Austin Genseal, Harlee Castro, Briar DaSilva, Everleigh Flick, Maci Bennet, Olivia Kost, Tinley Lombardi and Aleigh Gaines. Boys in the pageant were Andre Melo, Lincoln McManis, Jacob Pinheiro, Grady Johnson and Maverick Pires.
The crowns and sashes went to Jezebel Pires as Little Miss Escalon, Lincoln McManis as Little Mr. Escalon.
The Miss Escalon contestants performed an opening number, modeled casual wear and formal wear, along with handling impromptu questions. Emceeing the pageant and asking the on stage questions was outgoing Miss Escalon 2021, Madison Hagglund. The ‘littles’ performed a couple of dance routines as well as answering questions, posed on stage by the newly crowned Miss Escalon, Isabella Nalbandian.
All then got to take part in the Park Fete festivities Aug. 5 and 6, including the Saturday morning parade.