For a ringside seat for a competition that promises all the glitz and glamour of previous years, grab a ticket and watch local history unfold at the 32nd annual Miss Teen Cayman pageant, Saturday, 28 August, at the Lions Centre. The event is a popular fixture on the local calendar, so get there early and stay late: gates open at 5.30pm and the pageant starts at 6.30pm.
 
The 2010 pageant, which is sponsored by the Caymanian Compass, will showcase the beauty and talents of nine young Caymanians, ages 14 to 17, who are keen to represent their country and champion local causes dear to their hearts. The competition will feature the opening dance and casual wear, talent, swimwear and formal sections, as well as some top-notch entertainment from a brace of local performers.
 
Personality, poise and pleasing features have always been the hallmarks of the hotly contested competition, but this year the Miss Teen Committee has added a pre-pageant academic test and community service hours to the mix.
 
Choose your favourite from the bevy of beauties who will take to the stage, and watch the pomp and pagentry unfold before the teary-eyed winner is crowned. This year, six of the contestants are from George Town, with North Side, West Bay and Cayman Brac each laying claim to one entrant apiece.
 
With still a lot to do before the August competition, the 2010 hopefuls were formally introduced to the public at the recent Miss Teen Reception at the pageant’s sponsor hotel, the Ramada Grand Caymanian. Dressed in elegant cocktail wear and evening gowns, the contestants received their sponsor sashes, were photographed and mingled freely during the event, getting their first taste of public life pageant-style.
 
With still plenty to do and see before pageant day, the young women will visit places of interest in Grand Cayman on 24 July, visit the Sister Islands on 7 August, and take part in the Miss Teen Motorcade on 21 August.
 
Organised by the Miss Teen Committee, which comprises members of the Leo Club of Grand Cayman, the pageant is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
 
Commenting on the run-up to the pageant, Sabine Calvetti, speaking on behalf of the Miss Teen Committee, said:  “We have enjoyed working with the contestants thus far and look forward to working with them more in the next few weeks and preparing them for the pageant on 28 August, 2010.”
 
Tickets, priced $20 (adults) presold, and $25 at the gate; $15 (children 6-12) $20 at the gate and free to children under 5, are available from LIME locations on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, Funky Tangs and at Reflections outlets.   WH