Applications are currently being taken for the annual Swedish Festival Beauty Pageant.

The pageant takes place during the town of Thorsby’s Swedish Festival, which will be the Saturday, Oct. 17.

“It’s definitely been a great experience,” said reigning Miss Swedish Fest Hillary Cleckler. Cleckler is now at Troy University.

The Swedish Queens attend several events throughout the year, including open houses, ribbon cuttings and other social functions.

They also ride in the Swedish Festival Parade.

“We try to be at anything in Thorsby,” said Marika Porter, with Daisies Florist and Gift Shop. Porter helps organize the pageant.

The pageant takes place in two nights and is sponsored by the Swedish Festival Committee. The pageant will take place Monday, Oct. 5 and Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. both nights at Thorsby High School’s auditorium. Admission will be $5.

In all, six different queens from all age groups will be named.

On Monday, the following queens will be crowned: Tiniest, age 2-4; Tiny, age 5-7; and Little, age 8-10.

On Tuesday, the older girls will compete: Young, age 11-12; Junior, age 13-15; and Miss, age 16-19.

The 2009 Miss Swedish Festival Queen will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Registration will take place Sunday, Sept. 20 from 2-4 p.m. at Helen Jenkins Chapel.

Contestants are required to turn in two wallet photos of the same pose.

Organizers ask that the girl’s name, age and sponsor (if applicable) be written on the back of both photos.

The entry fee is $50, which includes the photogenic competition. Dress is formal pageant wear.

Practice will take place Saturday, Oct. 3 throughout the day by age group.

For more information about Miss Swedish Fest, call Daisies Florist and Gift Shop at 646-3229, Marika at 283-7908, Mesha at 389-4828 or Heather 233-3033.