Miss San Pedro Pageant Flies Sky High

Presented under the theme “Passport to Paradise”, the Miss San Pedro 2013 Pageant flew sky high as six lovely delegates ushered the rapturous spectators through various aspects of Belizean life. Solani Graniel, Miss Castillo’s Hardware, was selected as the new Miss San Pedro on Saturday, August 31, 2013.

The pageant commenced with a group dance which depicted island life in paradise where the contestants set the mood for the show. From the dance the pageant moved on to the costume segment which brought to life the Mayas, Animals of Belize, the Floral Rain Forest, The Great Blue Hole, Faces of Belize, and the Water Falls. Announcer Clive Welch did the honors in narrating the ‘flight’ which offered a passport to paradise and which set the background for the various segments of the pageant/show.

Once the pageant commenced, it was a continual cheering and rapturous expression of joy and support for all six candidates. At some points the crowd even became tumultuous in expression of their support to three favorites.

Entertainment during the ‘flight’ was first class with invited guest artists Ernestine Carballo, The Truth Dance Group, and The New Generation Dance Group. Never a dull moment, never a quiet moment as delegates and entertainers enticed the full house of spectators at the New Plaza de San Pedro.

The Truth Dance Group

Ernestine Carballo

The New Generation Dance Group

Lady Leela Vernon and the Baymen’s Clan Band

There were just a few moments of tension during the question and answer segment but the wonderful crowd cheered and supported all the girls offering support and appreciation. In the end there were three obvious sponsors who were on the edge of their seats as emcee Eiden Salazar and Wilema Gonzalez took center stage to announce the winners.

The Miss Photogenic prize was awarded to Yanira Lara while Venancia Choc was voted Miss Congeniality. Gabriela Varela placed first runner up in the competition and the crowd went wild as Miss Castillo’s Hardware, Solani Graniel was introduced as the new Miss San Pedro. The other contestants Yanira Lara, Venancia Chuc, Shantell Pascacio and Jordana Segura all received consolations prizes from the San Pedro Town Council.

Capping off the evening was a culturally rich presentation by Belizean folkloric entertainer Leela Vernon accompanied by the Baymen’s Clan Band that had people off their seats and dancing to the rhythmic beats.