EAU CLAIRE — Despite the freezing temperatures and snowfall, the 2014 Miss Spirit of Blossomtime Pageant was held Sunday at the Eau Claire Community Center.

Originally slated for Saturday night, the Blossomtime Festival made the decision to postpone the evening’s event for safety’s sake. Sunday’s pageant marked the second annual Miss Spirit competition which is held once all the communities have held their contests. It is open to all first runners-up and offers one more young woman the opportunity to enjoy the many events and activities her sister queens will participate in.

Eighteen contestants competed for the title Sunday.

Shelby Hancock, first runner-up in the community of St. Joseph, was crowned Miss Spirit 2014. Shelby is the daughter of Brian and Kim Hancock and a senior at St. Joseph High School. She plans on earning her a degree in international relations from Brigham Young University. Shelby is a regional tennis champion, a National Honor Roll student, has received her varsity letter, is class treasurer and volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor. She enjoys reading, knee boarding and is a member of the symphonic orchestra.

In addition to the scholarship that will be awarded to Miss Spirit, the festival also honored Stevensville first runner-up Kaity Wade with a $300 scholarship by random drawing. The Peoples’ Choice award voted on by the pageant attendees was won by Nicole Irwin, first runner-up to Miss Cassopolis.

Having been crowned Miss Spirit, Shelby will go on to compete for the Showcase of Queens awards (photogenic, modeling and communication) on March 16 and is eligible to receive the Bob Braamse Community Service award, the Queen’s legacy scholarship and the title of Miss Blossomtime Congeniality.

Tying into the 2014 Festival theme “Blossomtime Gets Animated,” the staging reflected splashes of pink balloons and Minnie Mouse.

Tim Taylor and Katlynn Kennedy served as emcees for the evening.