GENEVA — Katie Peck was crowned Miss Grapette shortly Saturday night.
Peck said she had been dreaming about being Miss Grapette since she was a young girl.
“From the first time I saw Miss Grapette. It has been my goal,” she said.
Peck was chosen by professional judges from outside the area to represent Geneva as the 49th queen of the Grape JAMboree. The competition started early Saturday morning with the kindergarten to second-grade competition. “We had 60 (contestants) all together in the four age groups,” said Chrissy Jeppe, pageant director.
She said the decision to add the younger age groups K-2nd; third to fifth grades, junior, sixth to eighth grades and Miss Grapette ninth to 12th grades has helped the pageant. “It (the added categories) has made it blossom again,” Jeppe said.
Dave Johnson, chairman of the Grape JAMboree committee said the winners are an important part of the festival.
“As it has evolved the ladies now become ambassadors for the city of Geneva,” he said.
With 12 court members, the girls can attend more events throughout the state. “There have been weekends when they have split and gone (to) three different (events),” Johnson said. He said a float was even built so all 12 can ride together if the need arises.
Peck’s first attendant is Emily O’Dell and the second attendant is Julia Hanchosky.
The Junior Miss Grapette was Taylor Bruinsma with Carley Mottley earning second attendant and Jamie Bradbury first attendant.
