Kristyn Blackmer is Miss Rogers City, 2004
Tears of joy streamed down the face of Kristyn Blackmer as master of ceremonies Art Ross read off her name as Miss Rogers City in Friday’s pageant. First runner-up went to Desiree Farmer, the daughter of David Farmer and Donna Emmons, while second runner-up went to Kristy Curtis, the daughter of Sharon and Al Grulke and Terry and Julie Curtis. Blackmer, the granddaughter of Leon and Florence Blackmer, won the talent award with an athletic dance routine to Britney Spears “Stronger,” displaying jumps and kicks in a graceful, yet powerful style. In the question portion of the pageant, Ross asked, “If you could live anywhere outside of the United States, where would it be?”
Her answer impressed the judges. She said that place would be Germany, the place her best friend, fellow contestant Bianca Pe?a, had spent much of her life. “When he first called my name, I thought they were wrong,” she said on stage after the event. The new queen becomes Rogers City’s first Junior Miss, eligible to compete in the state competition next year in Alpena. “I’m can’t wait for to the Junior Miss Pageant. That’s going to be fun,” she said.
FIRST RUNNER-UP Desiree Farmer also impressed the judges as she won the fitness/coordination award. The contestants danced to the Jackson Five 1970 hit “I Want You Back,” choreographed by Miss Rogers City 2002 Alison Schuiteman. Farmer sang the blues classic “At Last” for her talent presentation.
Kristy Curtis earned the scholastics award and took home second runner-up honors. For her talent presentation, she danced to “Try Again.”
Brittany Joy Hincka’s graceful poise earned her the evening gown award. She also sold the most tickets, 100, in winning the ticket sales award. Her rendition of Righeletto’s “Only Hope” was very polished and well done. Bianca Pe?a was awarded the congeniality award by her fellow contestants. She did a dance presentation to “Shining Through,” using athletic moves in the dance.
PENNIE KELLY, director of the pageant, did a great job of coordinating all the details needed to pull off a great event like the Miss Rogers City pageant. She worked with the contestants each night for the past month, honing their talent routines, and giving each contestant positive reinforcement needed to motivate and encourage the contestants. Before that, she helped recruit contestants and first met with the group in early June to set the schedule for practice, pictures, and appearances.
Kelly, Miss Rogers City in 1990, also sang at the pageant, performing the Christina Aguilera hit “Beautiful,” in a way the famous artist would envy. While she sang, Schuiteman did a graceful, yet difficult toe ballet interpretation of the song.
Stage manager Samantha Kelly assisted Pennie Kelly along with assistants to the director Marsha Schulwitz, and Jean Mayes. The three talent winners from 2003 provided more entertainment. Miss Rogers City 2003 Christine Belusar, Katie Krueger, and Kari Rhode each shared that honor last year.
SPECIAL GUEST Sheila Klein, Michigan Junior Miss 2004, displayed her talents in a spirited tap routine. Erica Mayes operated lights, while Milissa Bannon and Kimberly Farmer of Elite Salon and Spa did hair. Liz Geyer provided make-up by Mary Kay). Sound engineer Mike Klann did a great job keeping the production flowing with his expert handing of microphones, speakers, and a variety of CDs. C
ROSS WAS witty and smooth as master of ceremonies. He joked and entertained the crowd and skillfully stretched for time between acts and while the judges deliberated in another room. Judges were Melanie Roznowski of Alpena, Brenda Gauthier of Posen, and Sandra Moore of Grayling. Scholastic judges were Sue Eller, Bonnie Urlaub, and Marie Walmsley all of Alpena. Bernice Kelly, Megan Marx, and Kari Rhode assisted the contestants in the dressing room. Cathy Matthews served as ticket chair.
THE NEW queen and her court will reign over the Nautical City Festival, which opened Tuesday in Rogers City.