WESTFIELD-Kimberlee Starsiak is taking the annual modeling and talent competition at the Westfield Fair to the next level this summer.
Starsiak, owner of All-Stars Dance Center on Root Road, knows the drill when it comes to competition for girls since she has been in business in the city for 21 years.
“I did the modeling and talent competition for years at the Westfield Fair,” she said, noting her first stage appearance was at the age of five.
Now at 45, Starsiak wants to build on the program that has always sought to provide girls of all ages with “confidence, pride and an amazing and rewarding experience.”
“My ultimate vision is to secure scholarship money for our pageant winner,” said Starsiak. “By establishing a scholarship from local companies, we can provide a deserving young lady a small foundation toward saving for her future educational endeavors.”
Starsiak has set a goal of raising $2,000 for this first year of spearheading the revamp of the competition which is slated Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Westfield Fair, 137 Russellville Road.
“Last year there were only 13 girls in the competition,” said Starsiak. “We are getting the word out so hopefully more girls will participate.”
The competition is divided into four categories: formal, sportswear, talent and photo. The Junior Division encompasses 0-3 years of age, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. The Senior Division encompasses 13-15 year-olds, 16-18, 19-21, and 22 years and older.
For girls entering the “formal” category, Starsiak notes “Sunday Best is appropriate.” Short dresses or tea length for the 12 and under age division is stressed. Age appropriate gowns or fancy dresses for the 13 and older age division is recommended.
The “sportswear” category should reflect “off the rack clothing,” said Starsiak, adding, “anything age appropriate goes, including back to school wear, tennis wear or short outfits.”
Girls interested in the “talent” category must limit their performance to a maximum of three minutes. A solo performance can include vocal, dance, twirling, instrumental, acting or reading poetry. Since a piano is not available, Starsiak noted that all music must be on CD or iPod cued and ready to play.
The “photo” category can be a 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 black and white or color photo; however, it must be submitted by Aug. 15 to be judged. Photos will be judged and then displayed at the fair.
There are also two titles to be won by the girls – Miss Pioneer Valley and Ms. Pioneer Valley.
“Miss Pioneer Valley is the highest score title of all four categories combined,” said Starsiak. “This is the ultimate title.”
Starsiak noted that Miss Pioneer Valley is also asked to participate in as many volunteer projects as her schedule will allow during her title year.
“Some past title winners have participated in the Big E Parade, ringing a bell for the Salvation Army, serving food at local community centers, conducting food drives/toiletries drives for the community’s needy, and volunteering at the Shriners Children’s Hospital,” said Starsiak.
Miss Pioneer Valley receives a trophy, crown, banner, flowers and a prize package “fit for a princess,” according to Starsiak.
“The duties of the winner include being an ambassador of our community and striving to make it a better place to live by way of serving our community in loving and caring ways,” said Starsiak.
The newest title competition is Ms. Pioneer Valley, open to women age 30 and older. Those participating in this category are asked to take part in the formal and photo categories. The winner will receive a trophy, crown, banner, flowers and a special prize package.
“We also ask that you prepare an essay on life to share,” said Starsiak, noting the essay title is My Words of Wisdom.
“Share your words that can inspire others, give us your philosophy on life and how we can help our community become a better place to live in,” said Starsiak.
An integral part of the competition is the title of Miss Star of Hope, in honor of Kaylee Paulson of Westfield, according to Starsiak.
“Kaylee is a dancer who was stricken with cancer at the age of 20,” said Starsiak. “We are proud to say that Kaylee has a cancer-free diagnosis and has had this diagnosis for over a year.”
Starsiak said the award winner is a representation of Paulson and the recipient “shall possess Kaylee’s compassionate heart.”
“The recipient will be selected by the competition’s staff who witness a contestant who demonstrates great compassion toward others during the course of the competition,” said Starsiak.
The Miss Star of Hope winner will receive a trophy, crown, banner, flowers and a prize package “fit for a star” said Starsiak.
“The Miss Star of Hope winner needs to have a sense of bringing about a sense of commitment for making our community stronger,” said Starsiak.
A special question and answer day is planned July 10 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westfield Fairgrounds to review the do’s and don’ts to ensure the experience will be rewarding for all contestants.
“We will guide girls on how to walk on stage, give examples of appropriate attire, and show examples of photos for submitting for judging,” said Starsiak.
Starsiak’s overall objective is that the contestants feel comfortable with the competition and understand the importance of giving back to the community.
“The Westfield Fair is as hometown as it gets,” said Starsiak. “Having been involved for so many years in competition, this entire process becomes second nature to me.”
For registration information and fees or to make a donation for the scholarship fund, email Starsiak at [email protected] or visit Facebook/WestfieldFairPageant. The registration deadline for contestants to participate is Aug. 1.
Current sponsors include the Bridal Corner in Chicopee, donating all crowns for the winners, and Westfield Funeral Home and Cremation Services for its monetary donation toward the scholarship.
“This talent show is a historical part of Westfield’s heritage and is a part of the yearly old-fashioned country fair that Westfield is so very proud of,” said Starsiak.
