Blake takes center ring as 2009 Little Miss Mapleton

15 years ago
By Jennifer Buzza
Special to The Star-Herald

    Surrounded by clowns, elephants and bears “Under the Big Top,” four girls competed for the title of 2009 Little Miss Mapleton April 25. Dressed as clowns, the girls, ages six to eight, danced around a red circular carpet, representing the center ring of a circus.

    The grand finale of this circus was the crowning of eight-year-old Jaidyn Blake, daughter of Jeff and Jolene Blake, as 2009 Little Miss Mapleton. Blake also won the talent award for her rendition of the Shirley Temple song, “You’ve Got to S-M-I-L-E.” During the gown walk, she was escorted by Michael Perkins, the seven-year-old son of Michael and Andrea Perkins.
    Other “clowns” who competed for the title were:
    • Delaney Alward, the six-year-old daughter of Wendy and Chris Maple and David Alward. She performed a song and dance to “Skinnamarink” for her talent. Alward was escorted by six-year-old Holden Stoutamyer, son of Adam and Kristi Stoutamyer. During the awards presentation, she received a trophy for High Ticket Sales.
    • Taylor Ellis, the eight-year-old daughter of Brian and Renee Ellis. She recited an original monologue entitled, “A Letter to Grammy.” Ellis was escorted by Riley Pinette, the eight-year-old son of Timothy and Heather Pinette.
    • Elizabeth Collins, the eight-year-old daughter of Darren and Michelle Collins. She performed “The Entertainer” on the piano. Seven-year-old Noah Flynn, the son of Robert and Jennifer Flynn, was Collins’ escort for the afternoon. She was named first runner-up during the awards presentation.
    Also entertaining at the Little Miss Mapleton pageant, which was held at the Presque Isle High School auditorium for the first time, was 2009 Miss Mapleton Katelynn Hartt, 2009 Junior Miss Mapleton Hannah Stoutamyer, 2008 Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle Jordan Buckley and 2008 Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen Michaela Powers.
    Mistress of Ceremonies for the pageant was Patti Crooks-Parsons. During the on-stage interview, prior to their previously selected question, Crooks-Parsons asked each contestant, “Where is your favorite place to shop?” Each girl was very quick (and happy) to respond “The Mall!” The audience enjoyed the girls’ various responses to the follow-up question, “What is your favorite store in the Mall?” Crooks-Parsons informed the crowd that she and the girls had “rehearsed” these questions during dress rehearsal the night before.
    Special thanks to Presque Isle High School students Bethany Lord, Meghan Boucher and Jacob Michaud who dressed as clowns to greet the children with smiles and balloons prior to the pageant! The pageant was under the direction of Jennifer Buzza and sponsored by the Mapleton Ladies Extension.

 

ImagePhoto courtesy of Pam Willette
    DURING THE CIRCUS-THEMED 2009 Little Miss Mapleton pageant, the four girls competing for the title strike a clown pose at the end of their opening number. Contestants were, from left: Delaney Alward, Taylor Ellis, Elizabeth Collins and Jaidyn Blake.

 

Photos ccourtesy of Pam Willette

 

    DELANEY ALWARD, the six-year-old daughter of Wendy and Chris Maple and David Alward, performs her song and dance to “Skinnamarink” during the talent portion of the Little Miss Mapleton pageant. Alward received an award for High Ticket Sales.Image 

 

 

 Image   TAYLOR ELLIS recites her “Letter to Grammy” as her talent selection during the Little Miss Mapleton pageant. Ellis is the eight-year-old daughter of Brian and Renee Ellis. 

 

 

    ELIZABETH COLLINS poses in her party dress during the Little Miss Mapleton pageant. Collins is the eight-year-old daughter of Darren and Michelle Collins. She was named first runner-up during the awards presentation. Image

 

 

    ImageJAIDYN BLAKE introduces herself during the opening dance routine “Under the Big Top” at the Little Miss Mapleton pageant. Blake, the eight-year-old daughter of Jeff and Jolene Blake, was named the 2009 Little Miss Mapleton. 

 

 

    ALL FOUR CONTESTANTS stop to pose for a group photo following the awards presentation at the Little Miss Mapleton pageant. Pictured are, from left: Taylor Ellis, Delaney Alward, high ticket sales; Elizabeth Collins, first runner-up; and 2009 Little Miss Mapleton Jaidyn Blake.Image