Become a Queen Candidate
The Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival is seeking eight qualified young women to compete for the titles of Miss Hutchinson or Princess.
Qualified candidates are young women between the ages of 18-25; a graduate of high school by June the year of Water Carnival candidacy; have never been married, divorced or pregnant and must live, work OR have attended school in the Hutchinson School District. Graduates from Hutchinson attending college elsewhere do qualify.
This is a great opportunity to earn a scholarship, travel opportunities, network and to make a difference in your community. A candidate orientation is provided prior to the festival.
For more information contact the Water Carnival Queens Chair, Leah Watzke, at (320) 582-0023 or email at watzke81@hotmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What am I expected to do?
A. Have fun and be yourself! Attendance at all of the planned Water Carnival events is required. Detailed itineraries will be provided to you prior to Water Carnival week.
Q. What are queen candidates judged on?
A. Queen candidates are judged on a combination of personality, attitude, intelligence and talent, as well as other intangible characteristics.
Q. What is involved in the pageant?
A. During the Miss Hutchinson pageant, each candidate will participate in a formal gown competition, a question and answer session and must entertain the pageant audience for a period of 3 to 5 minutes with a presentation of talent. Often, this talent requirement is a concern to candidates. Have confidence! Each of us has some talent, and keep in mind: this is only a small portion of the overall judging process. The total you is the most important aspect!
Q. Who are the Water Carnival Miss Hutchinson judges?
A. The Water Carnival judges are adults who do not live in Hutchinson that spend the weekend interviewing and observing the candidates along with making the final selections of Miss Hutchinson, Princess and the Talent Award.
Q. Do I have to find a business to sponsor me?
A. No, the Water Carnival committee secures businesses willing to sponsor queen candidates and the committee assigns each candidate a sponsor.
Q. As a queen candidate, what will I receive?
A. You will have an experience unlike anything you have ever done! Great friendships and lasting memories will be made. You will gain confidence along with enhancing your public speaking and interpersonal skills. You will also get the chance to learn more about the rich history of Hutchinson and become an active part of the community. Finally, each candidate will receive a beautiful memento of the experience.
Q. If I attend school or work full-time, am I eligible to be a candidate and/or Royalty?
A. Yes! As a queen candidate, with a few exceptions, most Water Carnival events are on weeknights and weekends during festival week. And as Royalty, most of the appearances take place during the summer. If you have specific scheduling questions, please talk to the Queens Chair or Royalty Coordinators.
Q. Who are the Jaycee Escorts and what is their role?
A. A Jaycee Escort is a Water Carnival Committee Chair tagged to each candidate to serve as the candidates’ liaison for the week of Water Carnival. The escort will walk with you in various public appearances including the pageant and will also help to answer any questions you might have throughout the week.
