Theme for the 74th Miss Dowagiac pageant Feb. 9 is “Once Upon a Time.”

Nine contestants got acquainted Monday night at the social at Wolverine Mutual Insurance Co. while meeting with new co-directors Courtney Livingston, Miss Dowagiac 2005, and Gabbi Dorman, Miss Dowagiac 2011, who are succeeding Audrey Maxey and Ashley Franklin.

Contestants’ first outing together will be the Christmas parade at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 through downtown Dowagiac.

The queen contest sponsored by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center.

Tickets go on sale to the public from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at the depot.

Rehearsals start Dec. 16, break for the holidays until Jan. 6 and rotate between St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Encore School of the Arts and the DMS PAC.

 

“I remember being in your spot last year,” said the reigning  Miss Dowagiac/Miss Congeniality Erica Greenwood. “It’s a blessing. It’s a great opportunity. I’ve learned communication skills through the interview and interacting with the community, which you learn so much about. Rod and Roll was my favorite event to go to so far. I got to pick my favorite car. Just be yourself 100 percent of the time. Always be confident. I can’t stress enough being honest and true to yourself.

“Do as much as you can as Miss Dowagiac, because one of you will, in fact, be Miss Dowagiac 2013,” Greenwood said. “It will seem like there’s too much, but get there. It’s very important. A lot of time, effort and thought goes into it. Make time. It’s a big deal. You’re representing the community and yourself. Be open to everything, and it will be a great experience.”

“It is stressful, but it’s a positive stress,” said the queen’s mother, Kimberly Greenwood. “I enjoyed it and learned so much. This committee has worked so hard for so many years and puts so much into this. You’re representing them, and it’s a huge commitment. The Dowagiac pageant stands above all of the rest of them. They maintain high standards.”