Indiana Grand Racing & Casino will host the second annual Indiana Derby Queen Pageant where contestants will compete for the title of Indiana Derby Queen and be crowned at the 23rd running of the Grade III, $500,000 Indiana Derby on Saturday, July 15, 2017. The preliminary pageant, which will take place at Indiana Grand on Thursday, June 29, will welcome 12 contestants throughout Indiana. The top five will be named the official Indiana Derby court, with one contestant being crowned Queen of the Indiana Derby and winning a cash prize of $5,000.
Applications for the Indiana Derby Queen Pageant must be submitted by June 2, and are only available for Indiana residents who are between the ages of 21 and 29 as of that date. The application, along with terms and conditions, may be found at http://indianagrand.com/indiana-derby-queen-pageant-entry/. Information is also available on the official Indiana Derby Queen Pageant Facebook page.
On June 9, twelve contestants will be selected by a panel of judges to compete in the preliminary round on Thursday, June 29. Pageant contestants will be judged on their speaking ability, poise, and personality through a series of interview questions as well as swimsuit and evening gown portions of the pageant. The preliminary round is open to the public and tickets are available for $10 at Shelby’s Gifts in the casino or at the door.
The top five contestants from the preliminary round will be named the official Indiana Derby court and must make appearances during Indiana Derby festivities on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15.
The crowning of the Indiana Derby Queen will take place on Saturday, July 15 as a part of the festivities surrounding the 23rd Running of the Grade III, $500,000 Indiana Derby – Indiana’s richest horse race. The inaugural Indiana Derby Queen, Gracie Lyons from Elkhart, will be present at the Indiana Derby festivities and crown the winner.
“I’ve had, and am still having, an absolute blast with the Indiana Derby team! Representing as Indiana’s first Indiana Derby Queen has meant holding a heart of service, excitement, and graciousness,” said Lyons. “I’m thrilled to have won the opportunity to meet individuals from all walks of life through this pageant and connect with them in a fun and uplifting way!”
When asked if she had any advice for this year’s contestants, Lyons said, “It sounds very cliché to say ‘just be yourself’ but that truly is my best advice. You know yourself the best inside and out…don’t be afraid to be bold, go after what you love, and be unapologetically confident in who you are!”
The Indiana Derby Queen will receive $5,000 and serve as a representative for the Indiana Derby throughout the state of Indiana. Additionally, the first runner up will be awarded $2,500, and the second runner up will receive $1,000.
