And the Winners Are

After a very successful pageant the Calgary Apple Blossom Festival has crowned new winners! Although overall festival turnout was surprisingly low this year, the pageant had more princesses than ever before, so each lovely lady had her work cut out for her.

The events started in the same manner as last year, with the men playing Tiger Woods Golf for the title of King of the Green. Although it was a closely fought game, Dino took an early lead and maintained it to the finish. Most impressive of all is that he managed to accomplish this win while holding his sleeping baby! Congrats Dino!

The items up for grabs
King of the Green 2006

After a brief intermission (read: BBQ and beer) the Queen Annapolisa pageant got underway. The first event was the apple trivia event. The princesses really stepped it up a notch this year by actually studying the Apple Blossom website. The straddle shots were few and far between this year, but they were greatly appreciated by those who received them. Although there is not an official winner to this portion of the pageant, Erika really set herself apart from the rest, just overflowing with facts. Nice work Princess Canaan!

Jodi doing a wonderful job of posing the questions again this year

Erika giving one of her many correct answers

Lucky Kathy getting a straddle shot

Then it was on to the most highly-anticipated event of the night, the evening gown competition. The ladies were very well prepared this year, with some princesses showing up with multiple dresses! All the gowns were so great and the judges had a tough decision on their hands but when it came down to it, Jodi's off the shoulder, floral print, crinoline and horse necklace stole the show.

Last year's winner, Kathy, trying her best to sway the judges

That's right, stirrups!

Julia lookin' hot even in a hideous dress

Jodi showing some leg, and crinoline

The tree shot

The apple shot, with apple alternatives

Jodi receiving the 2007 Gown of Unparalleled Hideousness sash

After a bit of a pause in the action (polishing off the two mini-kegs), the "personality session" began. The judges had some really tough and creative questions this year, and the princesses were up to the task. They certainly showed their saucy sides! In the end it was all about Billie's rubber boots, and nothing else...

Two of the judges deliberating

Billie, Miss Sluttiality 2007, receiving congratulatory bumping and grinding from the judges

And last but certainly not least, it was time for the judges to decide who stood out and deserved to be crowned Queen Annapolisa 2007. But was there any question? Of course not. Erika has wanted it more than anyone else and she left the judges with no other choice. She nailed it! And in the end she rewarded us with a speakerphone conversation with her half-awake parents in Nova Scotia.

Getting ready to hand over the crown

The celebration!

We give you Erika, Queen Annapolisa 2007

In all her regal glory

Congrats to all of this year's winners:
Jose - Runner Up
Billie - Miss Sluttiality
Erika - Queen Annapolisa
Jodi - Gown of Unparalleled Hideousness
Kathy - McGyver Award