Pinto’s Princesses contestants shine in annual competition

Commentator/Courier Photo Submitted. PRINCESSES: The Pinto’s Princess competition was held on Sept. 5 and 6. (Left to right) Devyn Meyer, Lacey Thacker, Maria Hamm, Lucia Hillyer, Alayna Martens, Issy Dykstra, Rebecka Hamm and Tamara Iwamoto.

Submitted by Bow Island Pinto’s Princesses Committee

Bow Island has a bright future, and this was evident at this year’s Pinto’s Princess competition. On September 5-6, eight young ladies from the area showcased talents, speeches, and community service in an effort to earn a spot representing the town for the upcoming 2025-2026 year.

Now in its second year, the Pinto’s Princesses program seeks to develop mentorship, community involvement, entrepreneurship and rural opportunities for young women in the Bow Island area. The Bow Island area is filled with diverse cultures, activities, and interests, and the Pinto’s Princesses program strives to represent and build connections among those who call this area home.

Friday night kicked off with a community supper and speeches. The contestants got to wear fashion outfits from Western Stockman in Lethbridge, and had hair and make-up done by Chelsea’s Hair Designs, Lisa Kok, Kim Beck and Kaylee Hurt. They had photos with Bev Van Es, then presented their speeches and answered questions about town history. They impressed the judges, audience and committee with their research, attention to detail, and interesting histories that highlighted various aspects of the development of our community.

Saturday began with a pancake breakfast put on by the Bow Island Fire Department. The talent show kicked off with a FaceTime visit from Miss Rodeo Canada Codi Wilson, thanks to the efforts of our 2024 Grand Princess Makaya Porteous. The contestants then put on a great show that highlighted their creativity, bravery and unique abilities. Talents ranged from artwork, crafting projects, vehicle maintenance, athletics and dance, horsemanship, and a comedy routine that kept the audience in stitches. Saturday afternoon, the contestants hosted community activities. They played with the kids, ran a petting zoo, sang along on a hayride, and handed out a lot of freezies!

Saturday evening brought another community supper, and the much anticipated crowning ceremony. The competition was close due to the hard work, effort and great talent exhibited by our contestants. Final scores were tallied after judging the application packages, speeches, and talent presentations. Following the crowning, everyone celebrated at the family dance. Thanks to Bethany Hillyer of Prairie Dance Studio for teaching us some new moves, and to the awesome DJs who played great music and kept the dance floor hopping all evening!

We are excited to announce our 2025 winners as follows:

Grand Princess – Alayna Martens

Princess – Issy Dykstra

Junior Princess – Devyn Meyer

We look forward to a year of growth, learning, and community involvement for this new group of Princesses.

We would like to say a big thank you to our outgoing 2024 group. Grand Princess Makaya Porteous, Princess Chloe Hume, and Junior Princess Mila Wever did an awesome job representing Bow Island throughout the past year at various community events. They provided mentorship to our incoming contestants, emceed the competition weekend, and we look forward to seeing how you continue to develop and grow as future leaders and community members!

We would like to acknowledge the many sponsors and community members who contribute time, donations, skills, and mentorship to our contestants and program throughout the year. The list is long, so please follow our Facebook page Pinto’s Princesses, or our Instagram account @pintosprincesses for a complete listing, and to find out what the Princesses are up to throughout the year. We can’t wait to see what they do to build Bow Island’s future!