The Hyack Presidents tea in honour of Hyack’s 39th President Marlene Higgins was held Sunday January 31st at the Westminster Club. Alana McIntyre program and pageant coordinator explains: “The Presidents tea is a long standing tradition. The first tea was hosted in Marilyn Cassidy’s year as president in 1981/82. It was felt that the parents should meet the directors and committee members that would be working with their daughters and traveling with them throughout the year. Six years ago it evolved into the first public speaking judging event for the candidates.” The ambassador’s first challenge was to give a one minute historical speech introducing the game lacrosse and New Westminster as home of the Salmonbellies to the judges and audience. “I was so impressed by the ambassadors they did a spectacular job giving their first public speech. I look forward to working with them and watching their continued development as we travel out in the Pacific Northwest in 2010. Without a doubt all the moms, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents are equally as proud - this was truly one of the finest showings of be your best in the city of new west- these girls sure did!”
The President’s tea is one of five judged events for this years Miss New Westminster Ambassador Candidates and the start of many more events they will attend to represent the Hyack Festival Association and the city of New Westminster. Next events include the one on one interviews with the judges, Miss Manners Dinner and the final big event – the Miss New Westminster pageant in March.

The Miss New Westminster1st half of the pageant will be held at Centre Court in the Royal City Centre at the Saturday, February 27th at 1:00 pm. The admission is free. Everyone is invited to cast their ballot for the Peoples Choice Award.
The finale of the pageant and crowning of Miss New Westminster will be held on Friday, March 26th at 7:00 pm at the Massey Theatre. The tickets can be purchase at the Hyack Festival office at (604) 522- 6894 or at the Massey Theatre Box office at (604) 517-5900. Tickets costs: Adults $20.00 Youth $10.00.

- 30 -

For additional information and photos contact:
Melanie Vogel, Executive Director at (604) 522-6894 or melanie@hyack.bc.ca