Call for 2018 Sweetheart of the Mountains contestants
The Plumas-Sierra County Fair Foundation and the Plumas-Sierra County Fair are inviting girls between the ages of 16 and 20 to apply to compete in the 2018 Sweetheart of the Mountains Scholarship competition.
In four years, the competition has generated nearly $15,000 in scholarships for those that have competed for the title.
With roots going back over 50 years, the Sweetheart of the Mountains has evolved from a beauty pageant to the current scholarship program. Contestants still have to show off a talent, exhibit poise through an interview, represent the PSCF with public appearances and be a good example of character. However, they also have an opportunity to raise funds to benefit the fairgrounds, as well as a matching scholarship fund for themselves.
Their efforts in four years have allowed the PSCF Foundation, a nonprofit corporation established for the sole benefit of the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, to sponsor the fish pond and Artopolis at the fair, install hand dryers in the bathrooms and underwrite the entry fee grant program. Last year’s Sweetheart of the Mountains, Madeline Williams, raised and won over $3,000 for her college career.
The competition is planned for early May. Contestants are judged on a talent, their poise during a question-and-answer segment and are awarded points based on how much money they raised for the Foundation. A Sweetheart of the Mountains is crowned at the competition, as well as a first runner up. The 2017 First Runner Up was Claire Coelho of Quincy.
As the modern program progresses, the committee has made small tweaks. The age requirement was expanded to young ladies between the ages of 16 and 20. This opens up the competition to those who may be in their first year of college. It is hoped this will increase the number of competitors as well as expand interest in the program.
The deadline for returning applications is Jan. 31.
Applications can be found in each of the high schools and FRC. They are also available on the Fair website at plumas-sierracountyfair.net, and at the fairgrounds office.
