KNYSNA NEWS - The Miss Pearl beauty pageant for all ages, from tween to teen to all grown up, was held at the Knysna Waterfront as part of Knysna Oyster Festival events.
On Saturday 22 June, the event attracted some 55 entrants shortlisted from more than 70.
It was the fifth time that the event has been hosted in Knysna by Charmaine Kruger of Garden Route Models.
The pageant attracted a big audience of Knysna supporters, family and friends, as well as visitors who stopped to watch the red-carpet parade on Saturday afternoon. There were 180 seats sold for the event and the Waterfront area was packed with observers and fans.
Lorencia Arries from Rheenendal, Knysna, won the Miss Pearl 2024 title.
Arries is 20 and has plans of someday becoming a midwife. She hopes that by winning the Miss Pearl crown, she will be able to work in the modelling industry and save to study midwifery.
Arries' first princess, Simonè Koen (22) from Mossel Bay, also won the social media category. The second princess award went to Wen Lee (20), who hails from Knysna.
In the teen category Jodi-Lee Clarke (16 ) from Knysna was the winner with first and second princess spots going to Knysna locals Sanchia Peterson and Delche Christoffels respectively.
In the junior teen category Knysna's Jessica Turpin (13) came out on top, flanked by first and second princesses Georgia Kilian (14) and Megan Muller (13).
In the tween category, Abigail Lesch (12) from George was the winner. Lesch was also the pageant marketing queen as she raised R58 000 in vouchers towards the winners.
The total amount raised towards providing prizes was about R80 000. Her first and second princesses were Hope Cerff (9) from Knysna and Lara Muller (12).
In the mini category, Shaukeenah Quine from Knysna (5) was the winner. The first princess was Naz’reah Ruiters (7) from Knysna and Karli Puren (8) from Mossel Bay was second princess.
The Miss Congeniality 2024 title went to Lilly Stuart (9) from Knysna. Kruger said that Lilly was consistent, friendly and willing to help wherever she could.
Miss Pearl contestants
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